How much will the first foldable iPhone cost? Analysts reveal the price of Apple’s 2026 flagship

Apple traditionally enters new product categories later than competitors, but with premium positioning. Its first foldable smartphone, expected in 2026, will follow the same pattern. According to forecasts from Fubon Research, the price will be 2399 dollars — twice as high as the iPhone 17 Pro Max and 20 to 30 percent higher than rivals such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7. This price point reflects Apple’s ambitions but may deter mainstream buyers. Here are the details based on analyst Arthur Liao’s report.

What Analysts Predict

Fubon Research, using supply chain analysis and Apple’s margin requirements, estimates the launch price of the foldable iPhone at 2399 dollars. This is the upper end of the rumored range of 2000 to 2500 dollars, supported by Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The main drivers of the increase are higher component costs: the display panel, the hinge mechanism, and lightweight structural materials. The total bill of materials for smartphones is expected to rise by 5 to 7 percent in 2026 due to shortages of DRAM and HBM used in AI servers.

The high price is justified by innovations such as a crease-free display enabled by a waterdrop hinge, a 24 MP under-display camera, and integration with iOS 27 for AI-driven multitasking. It also reflects Apple’s higher margin of 40 to 50 percent, compared to Samsung’s 30 to 35 percent.

Sales Forecast: Niche Hit or Risky Bet?

Despite the price, Fubon expects strong performance: 5.4 million units sold in 2026 and up to 15.4 million over the entire lifecycle, reaching 7 percent penetration in the premium segment. This would make the foldable iPhone the only major highlight in a stagnating smartphone market, which is projected to decline by 2 to 3 percent in 2026. For comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold6 sold 4 to 5 million units in 2025. Apple is counting on loyal fans and the corporate sector, where premium status helps justify the cost.

However, analysts warn that the high price could limit the audience, especially amid rising inflation and competition from Huawei and Oppo, whose models start around 1500 dollars.

In Short

Apple’s first foldable iPhone, possibly named iPhone Ultra, is expected to launch in September 2026 at a price of 2399 dollars — twice the cost of a Pro Max and about 20 percent higher than the Samsung Z Fold7. The device will feature a crease-free display and premium components. Fubon forecasts 5.4 million units sold in the first year, but the high price could make it a niche product. Apple once again chooses a strategy of “expensive but polished.” The official announcement will confirm the details.