Apple’s long-awaited entry into the foldable phone space is finally taking shape, with the iPhone Fold expected to arrive in 2026. But the real buzz this week isn’t about its design or specs — it’s about its hinge. According to a new report, Apple has managed to make the hinge dramatically cheaper to produce, which could give the company a big profit boost while keeping its trademark premium pricing intact.
Reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the iPhone Fold’s hinge is expected to cost just $70 to $80, lower than the previously estimated $100 to $120, thanks to Foxconn’s optimized assembly process. Most of the hinges — around 65% — will reportedly come from a joint venture between Foxconn and Shin Zu Shing, while Amphenol will handle the rest. Down the road, Luxshare-ICT could join the supply chain after 2027, helping drive costs even lower. Kuo calls the hinge a “new battleground for system assemblers,” suggesting competition will only intensify as more players join in.
The hinge is a crucial piece of any foldable phone — it defines both the feel and the durability. By cutting costs here, Apple can either enjoy wider margins or, less likely, pass savings to consumers. Realistically, it means Apple will have more room to invest in high-end features like a crease-resistant flexible display or improved camera hardware, all while maintaining a strong profit margin.
Pricing is still anyone’s guess, but with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 sitting around $1,999, it’s safe to assume the iPhone Fold won’t come cheap — likely over $2,000.
As competition in the foldable market tightens, Apple’s move shows its old strategy still holds: innovate where it counts, streamline the rest, and make every part of the process pay off. The iPhone Fold might not just fold — it might redefine what premium means in a foldable phone.
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