Apple's first foldable phone is set for 2026 and UBS believes that it is as cheap as 1,800 US dollars. Here is what else you should know

Apple is about to start its first foldable iPhone, with the supply chain in the second half of 2026 completing the specifications for a book style “iPhone Fold”. This train is the entry of Apple into a segment that is not yet, but for transformation as the most influential smartphones brand proximity in an analysis hind. Develop the effects of an iPhone fold start.

The UBS analysis of Samsung Z Fold SE (BOB costs: 790 US dollars) indicates that the iPhone folds of Apple could achieve a bom cost of 759 US dollars -about 4% lower -to save savings for storage, application processors and camera modules, even if premium materials absorb the housing and the costs.

The initial production is expected to be limited, with the estimates of 10 to 15 million units for the first wave. This cautious approach reflects both the technical complexity of foldable devices and the high price point, to which analysts see an important hurdle for the introduction of masses. Early reports indicate that the iPhone folding could cost between 2,000 and 2,400 US dollars, so that Apple's most expensive phone and positioning as a premium, exhausting product. According to UBS, Apple's cost discipline can evaluate the device at the bottom of the expected area (1,800 to 2,000 US dollars) with contribution margins of 53%–58%according to the folding of Samsung and well above the iPhone 16 series.

The start of the iPhone Fold will probably have a positive wave effect in the Apple supply chain, including companies such as amphenol, hirose, TDK, Avary and SDI. Many of these companies are currently under the average values of the historical assessment, and the visibility of a new product ramp could increase the mood and the share prices. The unique design of the iPhone fold should benefit several important players:

• The Samsung display is expected to be the main supplier, which is generated up to 15 million foldable OLED panels of up to 15 million foldable OLED annually. The LG display can also play a role because Apple diversifies its sources.

• Housing and hinges: The device will probably have a titanium housing and a liquid metal hinge, whereby suppliers such as lens technology, amphenol and Hon Hai (Foxconn) are positioned to benefit from higher stocks with higher bill materials (BOM).

• EMS provider: Hon Hai is expected to take over the first meeting with Luxhare as a secondary partner, which reflects Apple's strategy to use its established production ecosystem.

Apple's entry probably accelerates the introduction of foldable devices, not only in smartphones, but also in tablets and notebooks, medium to long -term. The late Mover advantage of using the company of a sophisticated supply chain and refined technology could help manage the costs and deliver a polished product, which may expand the market beyond its current niche.