Apple's highly anticipated release of the first foldable iPhone next year is expected to come with a pleasant surprise. Recent reports suggest that the hinge of the iPhone Fold will be much cheaper than initially anticipated, thanks to innovative design and manufacturing processes implemented by Apple's suppliers.
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that the cost of the iPhone Fold's hinge is expected to be $70 to $80 cheaper than what was previously projected by the market. This development is attributed to the joint efforts of Foxconn and Shin Zu Shing, who will be responsible for manufacturing 65% of the hinges, with Amphenol handling the remaining 35%. Additionally, there are discussions about Luxshare-ICT potentially entering Apple's hinge supply chain post-2027.
This reduction in hinge costs is not only a significant win for Apple in terms of profitability but also opens up opportunities for further price optimization. Kuo points out that the decrease in cost is largely due to Foxconn's assembly design improvements.
As the hinge continues to be a critical component in the foldable smartphone market, the potential inclusion of Luxshare-ICT as a supplier indicates a promising future for cost reductions and technological advancements in this area.
