Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone may be cheaper to build than many expected. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo now estimates the hinge, one of the most complex and costly parts of a foldable phone, could sell at an average of $70 to $80 in mass production, rather than the previously speculated $100 to $120.
This projected drop is not attributed to using cheaper materials but to smarter engineering and manufacturing scale. Kuo credits “assembly design optimization” and Foxconn’s production leverage, not material level cost cuts, for the price decline.
Foxconn is reportedly collaborating with Taiwanese hinge maker Shin Zu Shing (SZS) via a joint venture. That venture has secured around 65% of Apple’s hinge orders, while U.S. firm Amphenol is expected to supply the remaining 35%. Foxconn holds a slightly larger stake and is reportedly steering the partnership’s strategic direction.
Kuo also envisions that after 2027, Luxshare ICT might enter the foldable hinge supply chain. Greater competition among hinge makers could drive prices even lower.
The hinge is a crucial component in any foldable device. Its reliability, smoothness, and durability directly affect device performance. For Apple, saving $20 to $40 per hinge versus earlier estimates could offer strategic flexibility. Apple might pass some savings to consumers, or it might use them to protect or expand its margin.
The first foldable iPhone is still expected to arrive in late 2026, potentially alongside the iPhone 18 series. Rumors suggest a book-style fold design with a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external display, and a frame combining titanium and aluminum for a balance of strength and lightness.
One unanswered question is whether this hinge cost reduction will lead to a lower retail price. Apple might maintain premium pricing, especially if other components remain expensive or margins are prioritized. At present, many expect the foldable iPhone’s launch price to fall between $2,000 and $2,500.
If Kuo’s estimate holds, the foldable iPhone may be less shocking in price than once feared and still deliver Apple’s typical design and engineering polish.
