According to Gurman, Apple initially aimed for a price of $1,999 for a folding screen iPhone, but increased memory costs made the company consider raising the price to about $2,199. Some versions with high storage capacity may cost nearly $3,000.
The iPhone foldable screen project has been researched by Apple for many years. Around 2020, Tim Cook was said to be promoting product development more strongly after realizing that foldable screen phones from Samsung, Huawei and other brands are becoming increasingly popular.
Apple is said to be focusing on solving four main problems: reducing screen folds, increasing hinge durability, developing folding screen protection glass and lowering the camera below the screen.
The device is rumored to use a 7.8-inch in-screen and a 5.5-inch out-screen, with a short and wide design. When folded, the size is compared by Apple to a passport; when opened, it is similar in size to a separate Apple touchpad.
Folding screen iPhones may use titanium and aluminum hinges, along with custom protective glass developed by Apple in cooperation with Corning technology corporation. However, the device is said to be less durable than regular iPhones, and the camera and battery life may also be limitations.
According to Gurman, Apple CEO John Ternus played an important role in bringing the project to the completion stage. The product is expected to be announced by Apple at the event on September 9.
