Are you sitting down? Here’s what the foldable iPhone could cost

Foldable iPhone concept image
(Image credit: ConceptsiPhone / YouTube)

The rumor mill seems to have settled on Apple launching a foldable iPhone as soon as next year. And if a new pricing rumor is anything to go by, you're going to want to use that time saving up for that device.

Analyst Tim Long of the British bank Barclays estimates that a foldable iPhone might cost around $2,300, according to a research note seen by Mac Rumors. Presumably, like other iPhones it would have different storage capacities that could introduce higher prices the more storage you get.

That price would eclipse what Samsung charges for the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which starts at $1,899. It would also be double the price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, currently the most expensive phone Apple sells.

Long made his pricing prediction after a trip to Asia where he spoke to hardware makers. He seems to think companies up and down the supply chain are settling in for 2026 or 2027 launch. Long also forecasts that Apple will sell a limited quantity of its foldable thanks to the high price.

iPhone Flip pricing rumors

Renders from 4RMD of a rumored iPhone 15 Flip

(Image credit: 4RMD)

Just last week, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted a similar price for Apple's eventual foldable. Kuo's prediction was a bit less precise but he floated a ballpark figure between $2,000 and $2,500.

Kuo claimed that the price won't be off-putting and that Apple fans will see the phone as a "must-have device."

He also said it will be a "true AI-driven phone" with the internal screen enabling things like travel planning with a Siri while also looking at a map or itinerary.

A few specs revealed

iPhone flip potential render

(Image credit: Macrumors)

Kuo's confidence may not be unfounded as the first foldable might feature a near creaseless display, something foldable makers have struggled for as long as foldables have been produced.

Kuo also predicted a 5.5-inch cover display that opens up to a larger 7.8-inch internal screen, or a skosh smaller than the 8.3-inch than the iPad Mini 7.

The foldable is expected to measure between 9 and 9.5mm when closed, a bit thicker than the iPhone 16 Pro. Of course, when opened up it should sit between 4.5mm and 4.8mm or about the same as thickness as the rumored iPhone 17 Air.

That thinness may mean a lack of built-in Face ID, and the return of Touch ID.

iPhone Fold: Release window

iPhone Fold concept video

(Image credit: Svyatoslav Alexandrov/YouTube)

As mentioned, the foldable iPhone has been predicted by multiple analysts and various phone leakers to launch in 2026, though some rumors have pointed to a potential early 2027 release.

If it launches in 2026, we might see the iPhone Flip — or whatever the phone is called — come out with the iPhone 18 series. Then again, as a brand new product, Apple could also wind up debuting the phone at a separate event from its usual fall iPhone launch.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. 

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
Rendered images of rumored foldable iPhone.
Massive foldable iPhone leak just tipped key specs, release window and a very high price
iPhone Flip Concept
Apple foldable iPhone leaker just tipped a crazy big 12-inch screen — here's all the details
iPhone Flip Concept
Foldable iPhone and foldable iPad both just tipped for production next year
Foldable iPhone concept image
Foldable iPhone leaker just tipped size of both displays
iPhone Flip Concept
iPhone Flip now reportedly in 'planning stage' — here's what we know
iPhone Flip foldable iPhone
iPhone Flip: Everything we know about Apple's foldable phone plans
Latest in iPhones
3D printed model of alleged iPhone 17 Air design
iPhone 17 Air — these 5 big revelations have me excited for the first truly new iPhone in years
Foldable iPhone concept image
Are you sitting down? Here’s what the foldable iPhone could cost
iOS 19 logo on an iPhone
iOS 19's big redesign is tipped to bring a whole new look and unite all of Apple's devices — and pave the way for a foldable iPhone
iPhone 16 Pro Max shown in hand
Forget iPhone 17 — the iPhone 18 could be the first phone with under-display Face ID
iPhone 17 Air render
iPhone 17 Air report just revealed a big surprise about battery life — and Apple scrapped this screen idea
iPhone Flip Concept
Foldable iPhone and foldable iPad both just tipped for production next year
Latest in News
3D printed model of alleged iPhone 17 Air design
iPhone 17 Air — these 5 big revelations have me excited for the first truly new iPhone in years
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Tuesday, March 18 (#646)
Igor
The Roku Channel is streaming one of my favorite kids' movies for free
A person on a laptop converting a PDF to a DOC
FBI issues warning over free online file converters that infect your PC with malware
The Find my People feature
Android Find My can now track your friends and family — here's how to use it
Foldable iPhone concept image
Are you sitting down? Here’s what the foldable iPhone could cost