Apple's First Foldable iPhone Expected Next Month, Priced Over $2,000

Apple is gearing up to launch its first foldable smartphone, reportedly set for unveiling on the 9th of next month. Leaks and early reviews suggest a design akin to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold, folding horizontally. Early testers have praised its pocketability, hinge durability, and tablet-like app layout when unfolded, highlighting the large viewfinder for the camera.

However, to achieve a slimmer profile and enhance portability, Apple has made some concessions. The device will reportedly forgo the Face ID facial recognition system in favor of a fingerprint sensor integrated into the side button. The rear camera setup will consist of a 48-megapixel main camera and an ultra-wide lens, but a telephoto lens for optical zoom will be absent.

The anticipated price tag for the foldable iPhone is over $2,000 (around 2.77 million won). Industry analysts suggest that the high price and the omission of a telephoto camera could pose challenges in the Chinese market, which accounts for over half of the global foldable phone shipments. Meanwhile, the ongoing global shortage of semiconductor components is also expected to drive up prices for the upcoming iPhone 18 series, with the Pro model potentially seeing a $100 increase to start at $1,199.

“

The foldable iPhone's success in the Chinese market may be affected by its high cost and lack of a telephoto camera.