<div id="readability-page-1"><div><div>Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) could be much closer to launching its long-rumored foldable iPhone — and at a lower cost than expected, according to new details shared by top analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.<h2>Analyst Kuo Says Foldable iPhone Costs Are Falling</h2>In a post on X, formerly Twitter, over the weekend, TF Securities analyst Kuo said that Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone will feature a newly designed hinge that's significantly cheaper to produce than earlier estimates.&#34;The hinge ASP is expected to drop to about $70–80 at mass production, significantly below the market's expectation of $100–120 or higher,&#34; Kuo wrote.That cost reduction, he added, allows Apple to either improve its profit margins or pass along the savings to consumers when the foldable iPhone finally arrives — expected in 2026.<h2>Foxconn Takes The Lead In Foldable iPhone Production</h2>Kuo also stated that Apple’s manufacturing partner, Foxconn, owned by Hon Hai Precision Industry (OTC:HNHPF), has partnered with Shin Zu Shing to produce the new hinge through a joint venture.Foxconn's joint venture reportedly holds a slightly higher stake in the project, controlling roughly 65% of the hinge orders, while Amphenol Corp. (NYSE:APH) holds the remaining 35%.By investing directly in hinge production, Kuo noted, Foxconn aims to &#34;reinforce vertical integration advantages with its assembly business&#34; — streamlining Apple's supply chain and cutting costs even further.<h2>Luxshare Could Join Later — And Prices May Drop More</h2>The analyst added that Luxshare-ICT could become an additional hinge supplier after 2027, which may push costs even lower.&#34;The hinge is becoming a new battleground for system assemblers,&#34; Kuo said, suggesting Apple's supplier competition will continue to intensify.<h2>A Big Step Toward Apple's Foldable Future</h2>Last month, it was reported that Apple plans to start test production in Taiwan before shifting large-scale manufacturing to India.The company aims to produce around 95 million iPhones for its 2026 lineup, representing its highest output in years and a more than 10% rise compared to 2025.JPMorgan analysts predict the device could generate up to $65 billion in new revenue by 2029.Samsung Electronics Co. (OTC:SSNLF), which produces its own foldable smartphones, is collaborating with Apple on the iPhone Fold’s display.Samsung's six-year lead has refined its foldables, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 driving around 10 million units shipped in 2024.Price Action: Apple shares have climbed 3.62% over the past month and remain up 0.58% year-to-date, according to Benzinga Pro.Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings place Apple's stock quality in the 74th percentile, underscoring its strong standing compared to peers and other competitors.<ul> <li>White House AI Czar David Sacks Warns Washington Must Let US Chipmakers Like Nvidia Sell Abroad Or Risk Forfeiting AI Race To Huawei And China</li> </ul>Photo: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock</div></div></div>

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Apple Inc. is reportedly closer to launching a foldable iPhone at a lower cost, as analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reveals that the new hinge design will reduce production costs to $70–80, down from previous estimates of $100–120. This cost reduction could enhance profit margins or lower consumer prices. Foxconn is leading production, with plans for test manufacturing in Taiwan and large-scale production in India. Apple aims to produce 95 million iPhones in 2026, potentially generating $65 billion in new revenue by 2029. Apple's stock has risen 3.62% over the past month.

- Apple Inc. is reportedly closer to launching a foldable iPhone, with production costs for a new hinge expected to drop to $70–80, below previous estimates.  
- Foxconn, Apple's manufacturing partner, is leading the production of this hinge through a joint venture, aiming to enhance supply chain efficiency.  
- Analysts predict that the foldable iPhone could generate up to $65 billion in new revenue by 2029, with Apple planning to produce around 95 million iPhones for its 2026 lineup.

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iPhone Foldable Version Just Got Cheaper? Ming-Chi Kuo Says It All Hinges On This For Apple In 2026