Apple’s long-anticipated foldable iPhone might not be as expensive as you think. According to a recent report from UBS, the tech giant plans to unveil a book-style foldable phone similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series next year.
UBS analysts have revealed that Apple’s Bill of Materials (BOM) for the iPhone Fold could be around $759, which is 4% cheaper than the cost of parts for Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold SE ($790).
Apple plans to cut costs in areas such as memory, application processors, and camera modules, which would help reduce the price of the foldable. The company is expected to keep production numbers modest, with estimates of 10 to 15 million units in its first year.
Initial speculations had pegged the price of the iPhone Fold at anywhere between $2,000 and $2,400, but UBS now suggests Apple might price it between $1,800 and $2,000. While still a premium, this price would make the foldable iPhone the most expensive in the brand’s history. Apple’s discipline on cost control is expected to result in contribution margins ranging from 53% to 58%, similar to the margins seen with Samsung’s foldables and higher than those of the iPhone 16 lineup.
Another key point in the report is that Samsung Display will be the primary supplier of the foldable’s 7-inch internal OLED screens, although LG Display could also get a piece of the action as production ramps up. Other suppliers for parts like the foldable’s titanium casing and liquid metal hinge include Lens Technology, Amphenol, and Hon Hai (Foxconn), which is set to be the primary assembler of the device, with Luxshare as a secondary assembler.
UBS analysts also believe that Apple’s entry into the foldable market will accelerate the adoption of foldable devices across smartphones, tablets, and laptops over the coming years. Interestingly, Apple’s delayed entry into the foldable space could work to its advantage, as the technology has already matured, allowing the company to create a more refined and affordable product.