First foldable iPhone's repair costs could be more shocking than its price, experts warn

Apple's highly anticipated first foldable iPhone is nearing its release, sparking excitement among tech enthusiasts eager to experience the new device. However, potential buyers are being cautioned that the financial commitment may extend far beyond the initial purchase price, with repair costs expected to be exceptionally high.

Industry experts suggest the foldable iPhone could launch with a price tag of at least $2,000 (approximately NT$63,200). More concerning are the estimates for repair, particularly for the inner foldable screen. British repair specialist Ricky Panesar indicated that replacing this screen could cost around £850 (approximately NT$36,500), a figure substantially higher than comparable repairs for Samsung's foldable phones.

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The foldable iPhone's inner foldable screen, if it needs to be replaced, could cost around 850 pounds (about 36,500 NT dollars), which will be significantly more expensive than Samsung's.

For context, replacing the inner screen on Samsung's latest Z Fold model costs approximately £594 (around NT$25,500). This suggests that a foldable iPhone screen replacement could be about NT$11,000 more expensive than its main competitor. The elevated cost is attributed to the inherent complexity of foldable phone designs and potentially specialized components, including Samsung Display panels and Apple's own hinge mechanisms.

This significant repair expense could also lead to higher out-of-pocket costs even for users who opt for AppleCare+. The combination of a premium purchase price and potentially steep future repair bills means consumers should factor in the total cost of ownership. Furthermore, as this is a first-generation product, early adopters may also face the inherent risks associated with new technology and unproven designs.

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In other words, just to replace the inner screen, the foldable iPhone may cost about 10,000 dollars more in repair costs than Samsung.