Apple’s first foldable iPhone is rumored to launch next year, with expectations that it will be Apple’s most expensive iPhone ever. A new report from Ming-Chi Kuo doesn’t dispute that, but it does say that the unit price is “significantly lower than expected” thanks to a lower cost for the hinge.
In a post on his blog, Kuo explains that the unit price of the hinge for the iPhone Fold is expected to be around $70-$80 after mass production. This is far lower than the original market expectation of around $100-$120 or higher, Kuo says. He explains that this isn’t due to Apple compromising on materials, but rather major “assembly design optimization.”
According to Kuo, Foxconn has entered into a joint venture with Shin Zu Shing, a Taiwanese manufacturer, to manufacture the foldable hinge. “Foxconn holds a slightly higher stake and steers future direction,” Kuo says. The joint venture will manufacture around 65% of the hinges, while US-based manufacturer Amphenol will manufacture the remaining 35%.
In 2027, Kuo says that Apple partner Luxshare could also join as a hinge supplier. Adding another supplier to the mix would further lower manufacturing costs for the component.
The hinge is just one component of the iPhone Fold, but a $20-$40+ reduction in cost for Apple shouldn’t be overlooked. Such savings could impact the starting price of the device, or allow Apple to avoid compromises in other areas of the product … or just improve Apple’s margins. The hinge is also one of the most important components in a foldable device, so it’s good that these savings are because of assembly optimizations rather than Apple using a lesser material.
How much do you think the iPhone Fold will cost? I’m personally betting at least $2,000 … with a more realistic number being closer $2,500. What do you think? Let us know down in the comments.
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