On November 25th, according to Global Times, Fubon Research recently released an industry report stating that the global smartphone market may continue to shrink in 2026, but Apple... The unveiling of the company's first foldable iPhone is expected to be a market highlight, with an estimated price of $2,399 and projected sales of 15.4 million units over its lifecycle.
Apple 's first foldable iPhone is expected to be priced at the high end of the market forecast range due to the high cost of core components such as the panel, hinge, and lightweight materials. Fubon Research, combining supply chain analysis with Apple's profit structure, predicts a selling price of $2,399.
This is the first time an institution has given a specific price. Previously, TF International Securities... Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted the model would be priced between $2,000 and $2,500, while renowned technology journalist Mark Gurman estimated it would cost around $2,000.
Furthermore, according to a report by MacRumors cited by the Global Times, Apple has made key progress in the development of foldable screen phones. Its first foldable screen phone, the iPhone Fold, has successfully overcome the core pain points of the industry and achieved a crease-free design, and is expected to become the world's first truly crease-free foldable phone.
According to supply chain sources, Apple's breakthrough in foldable screen technology lies in the innovative integration of the screen and hinge system. While Samsung exclusively supplies the inner screen of the iPhone Fold, Apple led the research and development of the panel structure design, material processing, and lamination technology. To address the screen crease problem commonly found in traditional foldable phones, Apple collaborated with Shin Zu Shing and Amphenol. The two core suppliers jointly developed the key component bearing, and by optimizing the adaptation logic between the panel and the bearing, they fundamentally avoided the industry problem of permanent creases appearing in the middle of the screen.
It is reported that the prototype of the foldable iPhone Fold has an inner screen size of 7.74 inches and an outer screen size of 5.49 inches. The test version battery... With a capacity of 5400-5800mAh, it surpasses the level of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Previously, it was reported that the "crease-free" screen of the Apple iPhone Fold had been officially finalized, and its supply chain partner, Foxconn, was involved. A dedicated production line has been established.
Regarding hinges, Apple and its partners have successfully mastered the core technology of using liquid metal to create high-strength hinge components. Liquid metal materials possess excellent properties such as low deformation and high toughness, which can not only significantly improve the folding durability of foldable phones and extend the product's lifespan, but also maintain a delicate feel when holding the device, balancing practicality and user experience.
On October 13, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo published an article stating that the mass production cost of Apple's foldable iPhone hinge is estimated to be $70 to $80, far lower than the previously widely expected $100 to $120 per unit.
The aforementioned Fubon Research report also points out that global smartphone shipments are expected to fall to 1.2 billion units in 2026, a year-on-year decrease of 4%; shipments in the Chinese market are expected to be approximately 275 million units, a year-on-year decrease of 3%; and overall iPhone shipments are expected to be 234 million units, a year-on-year decrease of 4%. However, Fubon Research is optimistic about the sales performance of Apple's first foldable iPhone. Based on a 7% market penetration rate, Fubon believes that the foldable iPhone's lifecycle sales are expected to reach 15.4 million units, with approximately 5.4 million units shipped in 2026.
(Article source: Jiemian News)
