Components for the hinge: Good news from Apple’s iPhone Fold supply chain

Apple has apparently made an important breakthrough in the components for its first iPhone foldable, expected in the fall of 2026. According to a X-Posting velvet Investor Report of the usually well-informed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the manufacturing price per unit could therefore be “significantly cheaper”. However, it is still unclear whether Apple will pass this on to customers – or instead benefit from a higher margin.

Expensive hinge becomes cheaper

The manufacturing improvement is about a central component of a foldable smartphone: the hinge and its bearing. Due to the necessary high durability requirements (users are likely to perform thousands of opening and closing operations), the market previously expected that between 100 and 120 US dollars would have to be paid for this in purchasing. According to Kuo, who works for the financial institution TF International Securities from Taipei, the tariff has not been completely halved: to 70 to 80 dollars.

This is implemented through a cooperation between two manufacturers: Apple’s long-time iPhone main assembler Foxconn and the Taiwanese Special manufacturer SZS. This specializes in hinge technology, but has probably never produced it to the extent that Apple wants it for its iPhone foldable. According to Kuo, Foxconn is entering into a joint venture with SZS and is also managing it. The partners do not want to save on materials, it was said, but Foxconn has optimized industrial assembly – the company is famous to notorious for its efficient production.

Two more pavers in the starting blocks

According to Kuo, however, Apple does not rely on just one supplier. In addition to Foxconn / SZS, which will supply up to 65 percent of the hinges, the US company Amphenol (the location of the production is still unclear). Finally, Kuo also claims to have learned that the bustling Chinese manufacturer Luxshare-ICT, which is already screwing together the Vision Pro for Apple, will also supply hinges for the foldable in 2027.

It is currently still unclear which material Apple uses for the frame structure and hinge. It could be stainless steel or a mixture of aluminum and titanium. There were also initial rumors about the use of liquid metal, a special alloy for which Apple had secured the rights many years ago. Apple’s first foldable is expected to be presented in September next year. So far, prices above 2000 US dollars (Europe: 2500 euros) are considered possible.