There is a possibility that Apple’s foldable iPhone will cost more than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Google’s Pixel 9 Pro foldable smartphone

Apple appears to be making strides toward releasing its first-ever foldable device, though the company has yet to confirm any official details. Speculation continues to grow, and a new report offers insight into what consumers might expect regarding its pricing. The foldable iPhone is anticipated to be significantly more expensive than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with reports suggesting it could cost nearly twice as much. The device is expected to be released in limited quantities, likely launching toward the end of next year, and will reportedly adopt a book-style folding design.

According to a report by MacRumors, Barclays analyst Tim Long shared in an investor note that Apple’s foldable iPhone could debut with a starting price of around $2,300 in the US, which would make it one of the most expensive smartphones in Apple’s lineup. If these estimates hold, the device would be nearly twice the price of Apple’s top-tier iPhone 16 Pro Max, which starts at $1,199 for the base model with 256GB storage and reaches up to $1,599 for the 1TB variant. Comparisons have also been drawn with existing foldable devices in the market, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, which starts at $1,899, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, priced from $1,799.

Long’s pricing prediction reportedly follows a trip to Asia, where discussions with hardware manufacturers provided insights into Apple’s potential plans. He noted that increasing conversations within the supply chain point to a possible launch window between late 2026 and early 2027. Due to its premium pricing, Apple is expected to limit the production of its first foldable device, making it a highly exclusive product.

Previous reports have placed the estimated price of the foldable iPhone between $2,000 and $2,500. Rumors also suggest that the device will feature a 7.8-inch inner display complemented by a 5.5-inch cover display. Apple’s approach to this foldable is expected to focus on an advanced design that minimizes creases in the display, ensuring a smoother fold. Unlike traditional iPhones, it is speculated that this model may not include Face ID and instead incorporate a side-mounted Touch ID sensor for biometric authentication.

Structurally, the foldable iPhone is rumored to be 9.2mm thick when folded and slim down to 4.6mm when unfolded, with an aluminum alloy middle frame providing durability. The device is also expected to feature a dual rear camera system and a battery capacity of approximately 5,000mAh, ensuring a balance between performance and power efficiency.