Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) first foldable iPhone could redefine the iPhone lineup, but its eye-watering price and first-generation hardware raise a familiar question: Is being first really worth the risk?
First Foldable iPhone Could Cost More Than $2,000
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, reportedly dubbed the iPhone Ultra, at its Sept. 9 event alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Current reports put the starting price around $2,000 to $2,500, with higher-storage versions potentially approaching or exceeding $3,000.
The rumored device uses a book-style folding design, with a roughly 5.5-inch outer display that opens into a 7.8-inch inner screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
When unfolded, it could measure only about 4.5mm thick, making it thinner than Apple’s current iPhone Air and even the 13-inch iPad Pro.
The chassis is expected to combine titanium and aluminum, while Apple is reportedly targeting an almost invisible display crease and a highly durable hinge.
Reports suggest Samsung Electronics Co. (OTC:SSNLF) could supply the display panel, with Apple using a customized manufacturing process to reduce thickness and improve the crease.
Touch ID, Two Cameras and 12GB RAM
The pursuit of extreme thinness could come with compromises. The foldable is rumored to replace Face ID with Touch ID built into the power button and feature just two rear cameras — a 48MP main and 48MP ultra-wide — instead of a telephoto lens.
Under the hood, the device could feature Apple’s A20 chip, potentially built on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (NYSE:TSM) 2nm process, alongside 12GB of RAM, vapor-chamber cooling, and a second-generation C2 modem.
A dual-battery setup is expected, with rumors pointing to a combined capacity of roughly 5,400mAh to 5,800mAh.
The phone is also expected to support MagSafe, eSIM-only connectivity and a version of iOS 27 redesigned for foldable multitasking, including side-by-side apps and dynamically resizable layouts.
Apple’s First-Buyer Pain Disasters
The specs sound impressive. But Apple has a long history of making early adopters pay for its learning curve.
iPhone 4 — Antennagate: Holding the phone in a certain way could weaken cellular reception and cause dropped calls. Apple ultimately offered free cases to affected customers.
iPhone 6 Plus — Bendgate: Users reported that the larger iPhone could bend under pressure, turning the phone’s thin aluminum design into a major controversy.
MacBook Pro — Butterfly keyboard: Apple’s ultra-thin butterfly mechanism became notorious for keys sticking, repeating or failing, eventually prompting a repair program and a return to a different keyboard design.
That does not mean Apple’s foldable will fail. But when buyers could be paying $2,000-plus, the question is no longer simply whether Apple can make a great foldable.
It is whether you want to pay that much to find out what Apple still needs to fix.
Price Action: Apple shares closed at $319.97 on Friday, down 2.51%. In pre-market trading on Tuesday, it declined 0.36% to $318.81, according to Benzinga Pro.
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings place Apple in the 97th percentile for Quality, highlighting its strong short-, medium- and long-term performance.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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