Apple Considering Using Intel and Samsung as Backup Chipmakers in US
Apple has reportedly held "exploratory" discussions with Intel and Samsung as backup chipmakers in the US.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone Rumoured to be Cheaper Than Market Expectations
Apple’s rumoured and yet-to-be announced foldable iPhone may cost less to manufacture than originally anticipated. This is in part thanks to price reductions in components going towards building the device’s hinge.
According to a new report from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the hinge component for the foldable iPhone is expected to cost an average selling price (ASP) of around $70 to $80 USD (roughly $97 to $111 CAD). This is reported to be under the previously expected cost of $100 to $120 USD (around $139 to $167 CAD).
It’s claimed that the reduction can be attributed to the “assembly design optimization” and Foxconn’s involvement in the scaling of production. Recently, Foxconn has entered a joint venture with Shin Zu Shing to produce the hinge orders for Apple’s foldable iPhone.
As part of the new venture, the two will take on roughly 65 percent of the total orders. US manufacturer Amphenol is expected to be the supplier of the remaining 35 percent. Kuo notes that Foxconn’s involvement means the supplier has a slightly larger stake and is “steering future direction.”
Much like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, manufacturing a foldable device is expensive for the company. If Apple is able to reduce the manufacturing costs of its hinges by $20 to $40, that could bode well for the company’s margins.
There’s also the possibility that Apple could use the reduction in manufacturing costs to its advantage when entering the market. With lower-than-expected manufacturing costs, Apple may be able to pivot and bring its foldable iPhone to the market at a lower or more attractive price, positioning itself nicely amongst Samsung and Google’s foldables.
It’s also believed that Luxshare-ICT could enter the fray as another supplier for the foldable iPhone’s hinge after 2027. Thus, costs could potentially be lowered even more.
It’s expected that Apple’s foldable iPhone may be revealed in the fall of next year. The device could be a part of the 2026 iPhone series, alongside the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
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Regardless of the $80 hinge, it has also been said that – even at base level – it will be the most expensive iPhone ever. Which is saying something.
Then, of course, there's a question as to how many people will actually want a bifold iPhone? They'll find their suckers, sure.
It's becoming more and more a question of how many can afford that foldable iPhone. I wanted the VisionPro too, but no way I was gonna pay that price, even though I've always been an Apple Sheep (…. no anymore I guess, cause I can't spend that kind of money anymore… Apple is WAY too greedy now)