In a surprising twist, new reports suggest that Apple’s long-awaited foldable iPhone might debut at a lower price than initially expected — thanks to a major breakthrough in hinge design that cuts costs without compromising durability.
According to a report from Wccftech, Foxconn, Apple’s primary manufacturing partner, is developing a new hinge mechanism in collaboration with the Chinese company Shin Zu Shing (SZS). This innovation has reportedly significantly reduced production costs, all while maintaining Apple’s strict quality standards.
Foxconn is expected to supply 65% of the hinges for the new device, with Amphenol providing the remaining 35%. Another supplier, Luxshare-ICT, is expected to join the supply chain after 2027, which could further drive down prices for future generations of Apple’s foldable phones as the supplier base expands.
Apple aims to retain full control over the hinge supply chain, ensuring premium quality and avoiding the common manufacturing flaws that plague many foldable devices. The report adds that Foxconn has refined its production process, cutting costs without resorting to cheaper materials or sacrificing reliability.
As for specifications, the foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal screen, housed in a hybrid aluminum-titanium frame for enhanced strength. Apple has also reportedly solved the visible crease issue that affects most foldable screens, thanks to its advanced hinge technology.
The device is slated for release next year, and if Apple manages to keep the price lower than competitors, it could mark a major shift in the fast-growing foldable smartphone market.
