Rumors hint at Apple’s iPhone Fold being thinner than ever and priced below $2,000. Here’s everything we know so far about the foldable iPhone.
Apple iPhone Fold Rumors: Slim Design & Budget-Friendly Price?
Apple’s iPhone 17 is set to dominate headlines this fall, but tech enthusiasts are already buzzing about what could follow — the much-anticipated iPhone Fold. Recent leaks suggest Apple’s first foldable iPhone might debut with a surprisingly affordable price and record-breaking thinness.
iPhone Fold Could Start at $1,800 — Much Cheaper Than Expected
A recent report from UBS, summarized by Fortune’s Nick Lichtenberg, sheds light on potential pricing strategies for Apple’s foldable phone. Unlike earlier estimates placing the iPhone Fold between $2,000 and $2,500, UBS suggests the price could start as low as $1,800.
Why the drop? UBS conducted a teardown analysis of Samsung’s Z Fold SE, which has a bill of materials (BOM) cost of $790. The report estimates Apple could bring down its BOM to around $759. These savings would come from optimized spending on components like memory, processors, and camera systems—even if Apple continues using high-end materials for the hinge and casing.
Thanks to this efficiency, Apple could still maintain a healthy 53%–58% profit margin, matching what Samsung achieves with its foldables. This pricing would position the iPhone Fold as a premium device, but slightly more accessible than previously assumed.
Respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had earlier forecasted a price tag north of $2,000, possibly reaching $2,500. However, with the device entering advanced stages of development, current estimates may carry more weight than previous speculation.
The Thinnest Apple Device Ever?
Another buzz-worthy leak comes from Weibo tipster Instant Digital, who claims the iPhone Fold will be just 4.8mm thick when unfolded. This aligns with earlier predictions from Ming-Chi Kuo, who estimated a range between 4.5mm and 4.8mm.
If accurate, this would dethrone the current thinnest Apple product — the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro — which measures 5.1mm thick.
When folded, however, the iPhone Fold is expected to reach about 9.5mm in thickness, slightly bulkier than Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold7, which measures just 8.9mm when folded. Still, Apple may be prioritizing thinness in the unfolded state to emphasize its seamless and elegant design.
What This Means for Apple Fans
While nothing is confirmed until Apple makes it official, the ongoing rumors give fans plenty to be excited about. A foldable iPhone that’s thinner than an iPad and potentially cheaper than expected could mark a major shift in Apple’s product lineup.
As production ramps up and leaks become more accurate, it’s looking increasingly likely that 2026 could be the year Apple finally enters the foldable smartphone market. With competitive pricing and ultra-sleek design, the iPhone Fold could become a must-have device — not just for Apple loyalists, but for anyone looking to experience next-gen mobile tech.
iPhone Fold Could Be More Affordable Than Expected
While the iPhone 17 lineup will dominate headlines this fall, rumors about Apple’s first foldable iPhone are already heating up. New reports suggest the iPhone Fold may launch at a lower price than initially predicted—and could be Apple’s thinnest device yet when unfolded.
Price May Start at $1,800 Instead of $2,000+
A recent UBS report, highlighted by Fortune, reveals that Apple’s foldable iPhone could be priced more competitively than early estimates suggested.
Key takeaways:
- Estimated BOM (Bill of Materials) cost: $759 (4% lower than Samsung’s Z Fold SE).
- Potential retail price: $1,800–$2,000 (lower than the previously rumored $2,000–$2,500 range).
- Higher profit margins: Expected contribution margins of 53%–58%, surpassing standard iPhones.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted a $2,000+ price tag, but UBS suggests Apple’s cost-saving measures—such as optimized memory, processors, and camera modules—could allow for a more aggressive price point.
While it’s still early, these estimates are based on Apple’s latest production advancements, making them more credible than earlier speculation.
iPhone Fold May Be Thinner Than Any Apple Product
Ultra-Thin Design When Unfolded
Earlier this year, Ming-Chi Kuo claimed the iPhone Fold would measure:
- 9–9.5mm thick (folded)
- 4.5–4.8mm thick (unfolded)
A new leak from Weibo tipster Instant Digital supports this, stating the unfolded device will be just 4.8mm thick—thinner than the 5.1mm M4 iPad Pro, currently Apple’s slimmest product.
How Does It Compare to Samsung’s Foldables?
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7: 8.9mm (folded) vs. iPhone Fold’s expected ~9.5mm.
- Unfolded thickness: Likely similar, but Apple may prioritize premium materials.
If these rumors hold, the iPhone Fold could set a new standard for sleek, high-end foldables—balancing ultra-thin design with Apple’s signature build quality.
FAQs
1. When will the iPhone Fold launch?
No official date yet, but rumors point to a 2026 release, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 series.
2. Will the iPhone Fold be cheaper than Samsung’s foldables?
Possibly. If priced at $1,800, it would undercut Samsung’s $1,900+ Galaxy Z Fold7.
3. How durable will the iPhone Fold be?
Apple is expected to use premium hinge and display materials to compete with Samsung’s foldables.
4. Will it have the same features as regular iPhones?
Likely yes, including Apple’s latest chipset, advanced cameras, and iOS optimizations for foldable screens.
Conclusion
The iPhone Fold is shaping up to be a game-changer, with rumors hinting at a more affordable price and ultra-thin design. While Apple hasn’t confirmed anything yet, the latest leaks suggest a 2026 launch with premium specs that could redefine foldable smartphones.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach Apple’s official announcement!