According to a report by Fortune, UBS analyzed Samsung's foldable phone, the Z Fold SE, revealing insights that indicate Apple's (AAPL, Financial) upcoming foldable device, the iPhone Fold. Expected to launch next year, it might achieve a bill of materials cost of around $759 per unit, approximately 4% lower than Samsung’s $790. This cost reduction can be attributed to savings in memory, application processors, and camera modules, although premium materials are likely to increase the cost of the casing and hinge.
UBS anticipates the initial production of Apple's foldable iPhone will be limited, with an estimated initial batch of 10 to 15 million units, reflecting the complexity and high pricing of foldable technology, which remain major challenges for widespread adoption. Furthermore, Apple's efficient cost management could enable competitive pricing on the lower end of the expected range of $1,800 to $2,000, with a profit margin projected between 53% and 58%, similar to Samsung’s foldable devices and significantly higher than the iPhone 16 series.
