Apple is gearing up to join the foldable smartphone market next year with its very first foldable iPhone. Speculated to launch alongside the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, this device aims to compete directly with current foldable leaders like the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Early reports suggest Apple might have cracked a major engineering challenge by nearly eliminating the display crease — a common issue in foldables which affects user experience. As exciting as the technology sounds, the big question remains: how much will Apple price this new foldable iPhone? Let’s dive into the latest rumors and analyst predictions.
How Much Will the Foldable iPhone Cost?
Current leaks estimate the U.S. price range for the foldable iPhone to fall somewhere between $2,000 and $2,500. Investment banking giant UBS suggests a slightly lower range, from $1,800 to $2,000, while analysts at Fubon Research expect it to be priced around $2,400.
| Option 1 (most rumors) | Option 2 | Option 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foldable iPhone potential starting price | $2,000 - $2,500 | $1,800 - $2,000 | $2,400 |
Industry insider Ming-Chi Kuo recently highlighted that Apple’s hinge production costs might be reduced due to improved assembly designs. Although this could potentially lower manufacturing expenses, it’s uncertain whether these savings would translate to a more affordable retail price for consumers.
Storage options will also influence the final cost. Apple may offer variants starting at 256GB or possibly begin with 512GB, typically resulting in an additional $200 price difference depending on the configuration.
Where Does Apple’s Foldable iPhone Stand Against Competitors?
The foldable iPhone will go head-to-head with 2026 foldables from other brands, notably Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, which has yet to launch, but anticipated pricing is known:
| Model | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Fold 8* | $1,999 | $2,119 | $2,419 |
| Galaxy Z Fold 7 | $1,999 | $2,119 | $2,419 |
| Galaxy Z Fold 6 | $1,899 | $1,999 | $2,199 |
| Galaxy Z Fold 5 | $1,799 | $1,919 | $2,159 |
*Anticipated pricing for Galaxy Z Fold 8
Google’s foldable lineup, including the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, also competes in the premium foldable segment with pricing as follows:
| Model | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 10 Pro Fold | $1,799 | $1,919 | $2,149 |
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold | $1,799 | $1,919 | - |
| Pixel Fold | $1,799 | $1,919 | - |
Given this landscape, Apple’s foldable iPhone pricing around the $2,000 mark would put it comfortably in the premium tier alongside Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8.
Foldable iPhone Pricing Options & Carrier Deals
Although the exact price has not been officially confirmed, the foldable iPhone will very likely enter the market as a high-end, pricey device. Major U.S. carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are expected to offer promotional deals — typically including trade-in discounts that could help lower the initial outlay. However, these deals often come with terms and conditions, like the condition and model of the phone traded in, affecting the final discount.
Will the Foldable iPhone Justify Its Price?
Preliminary rumors indicate Apple may revolutionize foldable technology by fully removing the distracting screen crease common in other devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 — a significant user experience upgrade. The phone is rumored to sport a 5.5-inch external display and a larger 7.8-inch internal folding screen, reminiscent of an iPad in size. Camera setup may include two rear 48MP lenses, plus an inner and front-facing camera to support versatile photography.
While the foldable iPhone’s premium price tag is steep, the blend of improved build quality, innovative design, and Apple’s ecosystem integration could well make it worth the investment for many buyers. Time will tell as official announcements and hands-on reviews come to light.
