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Apple’s first foldable iPhone could cost more than $2,000 when it arrives, according to Citi analysts. That would put the rumored device far above Apple’s regular iPhone models and make it one of the company’s most expensive phones.
Apple has confirmed its next major event for Sept. 9 at Apple Park. The company has not revealed every product it plans to introduce. However, reports suggest the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be among the main highlights.
The foldable phone could also receive the iPhone Ultra name. Apple has not confirmed that name, so it remains part of the speculation surrounding the device.
Apple could make its foldable iPhone a luxury model
A price above $2,000 would place the foldable iPhone in a different part of the smartphone market. Instead of competing directly with Apple’s standard models, it could target customers willing to pay more for a new design.
Foldable phones also cost more to develop. They need flexible displays, specialized hinges and software that can adapt to different screen sizes. Apple would have to bring those parts together while delivering the smooth experience customers expect from an iPhone.
The company may also see the foldable as an opportunity to create a new premium category within its phone lineup.
That strategy would give Apple room to keep its standard iPhones available to a wider group of buyers. At the same time, the company could use the foldable model to attract customers looking for something more distinctive.
Memory costs could make the timing more important
Apple is also preparing its foldable phone while memory costs remain under pressure. Demand from artificial intelligence companies has increased the need for advanced memory used in data centers.
Major chipmakers such as SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics and Micron have benefited from that demand. Technology companies continue to spend heavily on artificial intelligence infrastructure, which has tightened supplies of some types of memory.
That matters to Apple because memory is an important component in modern smartphones. When component costs rise, manufacturers can face tighter profit margins or pass some of those costs to customers.
Apple has already warned about higher memory costs. The company also gave cautious revenue guidance for its latest quarter. Tim Cook previously said the sharp rise in memory prices was putting additional pressure on the business.
The foldable iPhone could therefore arrive at a time when Apple is already dealing with higher production costs. A premium price would give the company more room to absorb those pressures.
The upcoming event will also be an important moment for John Ternus, who recently became Apple’s chief executive after succeeding Cook. It will be his first major product launch in the role.
For now, Apple has not confirmed the foldable iPhone’s price, final name or specifications. The reported $2,000 starting price comes from analysts rather than Apple itself.
Still, the possibility points to a bigger question about Apple’s strategy. The company may be preparing to make foldable technology a premium experience rather than another mainstream iPhone option.
SOURCE: Yahoo
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