The first foldable iPhone could be twice as expensive as the iPhone 16 Pro Max

The starting price of the first foldable iPhone in the US could be around $2,300, Tim Long, an analyst at the British bank Barclays, predicted in a note to investors. It will be the most expensive iPhone in history.

Image source: apple.com

If the first foldable iPhone does indeed have a retail price of $2,299, it would be nearly twice as expensive as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which starts at $1,199, and significantly more expensive than competing Samsung phones — the Galaxy Z Fold6 has a suggested retail price of $1,900. Long made the price point following a recent trip to Asia, where his staff met with component makers. There has been growing talk in the supply chain of a late 2026 or early 2027 launch for the foldable iPhone, with the high price tag likely to keep sales relatively low.

Barclays’ information is consistent with the version of analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who estimates that the first foldable iPhone will cost between $2,000 and $2,500. The Asian expert, however, predicts high demand for the device, despite the impressive price tag, if its quality meets expectations. For example, getting rid of the visible fold on the screen could be a breakthrough.

The debut foldable iPhone, according to Kuo, will receive a 7.8-inch internal and 5.5-inch external screen; two rear and one front camera; a power button with a Touch ID sensor instead of Face ID and a high-density battery. When unfolded, the thickness of the smartphone will be 4.5 mm, when folded – from 9 to 9.5 mm. The body of the gadget is expected to be titanium, the hinge – from titanium and stainless steel. Mass production may begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.