Apple’s first foldable iPhone may launch with a surprising cost advantage, with the hinge—the most complex piece of hardware in any folding device—set to get significantly cheaper as production scales up. A new supply chain report indicates the hinge’s average selling price could drop to $70–$80 once mass production begins, down from earlier expectations of $100–$120. That kind of reduction gives Apple flexibility: preserve margins or pass some savings along to buyers, potentially making the foldable iPhone more attainable than many anticipated.
Much of that pricing shift comes down to how Apple is structuring its supplier network. The hinge is being developed through a joint venture between Foxconn and Shin Zu Shing, with Foxconn holding a slightly larger stake. Together, they’re expected to secure roughly 65 percent of Apple’s hinge orders, while Amphenol will handle the remaining 35 percent. This split gives Apple both competition and control, helping ensure tight quality standards for a component that directly affects durability, crease visibility, and long-term reliability.
There may be even more downward pressure on costs in the years ahead. Luxshare-ICT is reportedly a candidate to join the hinge supply chain after 2027. If that happens, expect two things: additional price competition among suppliers and a wider base of manufacturing expertise geared specifically toward Apple’s foldable hardware.
Notably, the savings aren’t about cutting corners on materials. Instead, they stem from smarter manufacturing. Foxconn’s scale and fine-tuned assembly processes are boosting yields and trimming costs without sacrificing reliability. It’s a win for Apple, which benefits from lower component prices and predictable quality, and a win for Foxconn, which captures value from both iPhone assembly and hinge production. While Shin Zu Shing remains part of the plan, Foxconn’s leadership in the joint venture suggests SZS may see limited upside compared to its partner.
On the product side, current timelines point to a 2026 debut for Apple’s foldable iPhone. The device is rumored to feature a 7.8-inch internal display paired with a 5.5-inch external screen, anchored by an aluminum–titanium hybrid frame designed to be light, strong, and resistant to visible creasing. If Apple hits its cost targets, the first-generation model could arrive at a price point slightly lower than early forecasts, while still emphasizing durability and premium performance.
