• Source:JND
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Apple is said to be preparing for its first foldable iPhone launch next year, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 range. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF Securities International has also shared some insights which hint that the foldable hinge — an important part of the phone, can cost around $70-80 (approximately Rs. 7,000-8,000) per unit once mass production begins — lesser than what was expected earlier.

Foldable iPhone Hinge Could Be Cheaper Than Anticipated

Kuo mentioned in a Medium post that previous estimates put the hinge cost somewhere between $100 and $120 (~Rs. 8,000-10,000) or even higher. That figure has been attributed to optimised assembly design and Foxconn’s input, not a decrease in upstream component prices. This saving may help Apple to better its margins or said savings can also be transferred to customers making foldable iPhone more affordable.

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Foxconn and Taiwan’s Shin Zu Shing (SZS) will be in charge of manufacturing hinges. It is also said that Foxconn has a smidge more of an ownership and strategic hand in the venture. The joint venture will service 65% of the hinge orders and Amphenol is to be responsible for the other 35%. Moreover, Luxshare-ICT might become a hinge supplier after 2027 and this would lower costs even more as there’s more competition.

What to Expect from Apple’s First Foldable iPhone

The next foldable iPhone, which may be named the iPhone 18 Fold, is rumored to come with:

- Book-style foldable design, a la Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series

- 7.8'' inner display for an immersive experience

- 5.5-inch cover display, for easy one-handed selfies and video calls when folded

- Durable lightweight titanium and aircraft grade aluminium for long lasting strength and a luxurious feel

- Thickness: 9.2mm folded, 4.6mm unfolded

The device is expected to go on sale from September 2026 and it could be priced at $1,999 (~Rs. Apple could use the lower prices of hinges to increase margins or perhaps lower the retail price a bit, thus making their foldable smartphone become more attractive.

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Why This Matters

The folding iPhone will be Apple’s first foray into the foldable smartphone market, which is currently ruled by Samsung with its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series. A cheaper hinge may be one of the factors that could help make the device more competitive especially in those markets where premium foldables are still too expensive to be accessible beyond a niche.

Strategic production planning by Foxconn and its partners also reveals the sound supply chain management and component optimization inclined thinking of Apple, which could mean faster scaling up or more reliability during launch.

With foldable technology, a book-style design and high-end materials and displays, the iPhone 18 Fold could be one of Apple's most exciting products yet, appealing to both tech fans as well as long-time iPhone users yearning for something beyond another tweaked shape.