iPhone Fold could be cheaper than expected

Apple is said to be working on its first foldable iPhone, unofficially called the iPhone Fold. Like Samsung’s first foldable, it is expected to be an expensive device but if the latest report is to be believed, the iPhone Fold could cost less than expected. However, it will still be the most expensive iPhone ever, and an expensive smartphone regardless.

The information reportedly comes from investment firm UBS via PhoneArena and it states that Apple’s Bill of Materials (BOM) could be lower than that of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold SE. Apple's foldale could cost $759 to produce, which is 4% less than Samsung’s offering at $790. Notably, the Galaxy Z Fold SE was a follow up to the Galaxy Z Fold6 with a thinner and lighter form factor.

This is because Apple is said to save money on the SoC, camera modules, and memory. If that turns out to be true, the iPhone Fold, or whatever it ends up being called, could cost in the $1,800 to $2,000 range. Initial estimates put the phone somewhere between $2,100 and $2,300. Even still, it will be an expensive offering and the most expensive iPhone to date.

As for the display, UBS states Samsung will be the main supplier for Apple but LG could also get some orders. The titanium casing and liquid metal hinge are said to come from companies like Lens Technology, Amphenol, and Hon Hai (Foxconn).

There have been quite a few leaks and rumors about Apple’s first foldable iPhone and it is believed to blend iPhone 13 mini and iPad mini aesthetics. It may come with a 14.1:10 aspect ratio putting it closer to the form factor of the Oppo Find N2 and the original Pixel Fold. The Samsung supplied inner folding display is expected to be 7.58-inch in size with a 2,713 x 1,920-pixel native resolution.

It should be noted that Apple has not shared any information on a foldable iPhone so this piece of information should be taken with a grain of salt.