The long-rumored foldable iPhone — tentatively referred to as the iPhone Fold — has yet to be officially announced, but numerous reports have already surfaced detailing its production logistics and cost structure. According to the latest insights from market analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the device’s hinge mechanism may cost significantly less to manufacture than previously expected, potentially lowering production barriers and enhancing the feasibility of mass production.
Kuo reports that the average unit cost of the iPhone Fold’s hinge is projected to be between $70 and $80 at the mass-production stage, notably below earlier estimates of $100 to $120. In other words, Apple could reduce production costs per device by approximately $20 to $40 without compromising structural integrity — a development that could positively influence the company’s profit margins on its first foldable phone.
Production of the hinge will reportedly be jointly undertaken by Foxconn and Shin Zu Shing, which are expected to handle roughly 65% of total orders, while the remainder will be produced by Amphenol, headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut.
Should the market response prove favorable, Apple may later bring Luxshare Precision on board as a third supplier, further increasing capacity and reducing unit costs. However, Kuo predicts that Luxshare is unlikely to join the mass-production process before 2027.
With more suppliers entering the chain, Apple is expected to gain greater negotiating leverage in component procurement, enabling tighter cost control and paving the way for a more efficient supply chain for future foldable models.
Multiple earlier leaks suggested that the iPhone Fold’s exterior may feature a dual-panel folding structure, resembling two iPhone Air units combined, while maintaining the series’ signature ultra-thin and lightweight design philosophy. The chassis is expected to employ a hybrid titanium–aluminum alloy, ensuring both rigidity and durability in the folding mechanism.
Kuo’s earlier analyses noted that Apple once considered pairing a stainless-steel frame with a liquid metal hinge, but this design was eventually abandoned due to its excessive weight, which conflicted with Apple’s preference for thinness and portability. The company has instead opted to continue refining the titanium–aluminum composition.
Although market rumors have pointed to a 2026 release, there remains no confirmed production timeline. Since 2019, reports of Apple’s impending entry into the foldable market have appeared almost annually — each time postponed by another year.
Meanwhile, competitors such as Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, Vivo, and OPPO have already launched successive generations of foldable devices, while Apple’s progress remains characteristically discreet. Nonetheless, based on the company’s supply chain adjustments and ongoing cost optimizations, industry observers generally believe that Apple continues to steadily advance development. The actual launch date, however, will likely hinge on whether the device’s display durability, mechanical reliability, and software experience meet Apple’s exacting standards.
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