Cupertino, October 14 (Daily Kiran): Apple’s long-rumored iPhone Fold is moving closer to reality, and new supply chain reports suggest the company has found a way to make its hinge mechanism significantly cheaper than expected.
According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s foldable iPhone hinge will cost $70 to $80 less than the market’s earlier projections. The savings come mainly from Foxconn’s assembly design optimizations, which have streamlined production without compromising durability or functionality.
Kuo reports that 65% of the hinges will be supplied by a joint venture between Foxconn and Shin Zu Shing, while the remaining 35% will come from Amphenol. Looking ahead, Luxshare-ICT could join Apple’s hinge supply chain sometime after 2027, further enhancing production efficiency and potentially driving costs even lower.
The reduction in hinge costs will allow Apple to increase profit margins on the iPhone Fold, rather than lowering its retail price — a move consistent with the company’s premium pricing strategy.
Industry experts believe that as the hinge becomes a competitive domain among system assemblers, innovation in materials, weight reduction, and mechanical endurance will accelerate across the foldable market.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is widely expected to debut in 2026, positioning it against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup and upcoming foldables from Google and Honor.