Good news about the folding iPhone

The new iPhone Fold is expected to be a boost for the iPhone 18 series. Photo: AppleInsider .

The iPhone Fold is expected to have a foldable display, and the hinge mechanism will be key. In addition to handling the flexibility between open and closed states, the hinge must also be solidly built and work perfectly.

This has led to rumors that the hinge on the iPhone Fold will require a lot of work to perfect, which usually means high production costs. However, in a note shared by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo on October 12, the cost may not be as expensive as the market predicted.

According to Kuo, when the hinge goes into mass production, the average manufacturing cost per unit will be around $70-$80 .

The analyst also believes that the cost per unit will be significantly reduced compared to current market expectations of $100-$120 , or even higher. This reduction could save Apple up to $40 per device produced.

In addition, the hinge production will belong to two companies. In which, Foxconn, a long-time member of Apple's supply chain, will cooperate with Shin Zu Shing in a joint venture to produce hinges.

Kuo revealed that the joint venture has succeeded in securing a significant portion of hinge orders from Apple, accounting for about 65% of the total orders. The rest is being handled by Amphenol.

Depending on the success of the model, a third manufacturer could join the supply chain. Luxshare is said to be a potential addition to the list, but Kuo says the timing will probably be after 2027.

Luxshare's interest could be an even better sign for Apple. Competition could help push hinge costs down further, boosting Apple's bottom line by cutting manufacturing costs.

Previously, in a note to clients, JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee said that Apple could launch the first foldable iPhone in September 2026, similar to leaked information.

“Investors’ focus shifts to the fall 2026 launch, when Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, as part of the iPhone 18 lineup in September 2026,” Chatterjee predicted.

Source: https://znews.vn/tin-mung-ve-iphone-gap-post1593236.html