Apple's Foldable AI iPhone Could Cost Over $2,000, 20 Million Units Shipped By 2027: Analyst

Core Insights - TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo identifies Apple's first foldable iPhone as a credible AI-driven smartphone, emphasizing trends in multimodal functionality and cross-app integration in AI device use cases [1] - The expected retail price for the first-generation foldable iPhone is projected to be between $2,000 and $2,500, with strong replacement demand anticipated due to the iPhone's aspirational status [1] - Touch ID is expected to return as a side button, while Face ID may be absent due to design constraints [2] Production Timeline - Apple is set to finalize specifications for the foldable iPhone in Q2 2025, with the project kickoff in Q3 2025 and mass production expected in Q4 2026 [2] - The second-generation foldable iPhone is anticipated to begin mass production in the second half of 2027 [2] Shipment Projections - The complexity of the first-generation foldable iPhone is expected to limit volume production until 2027, with projected shipments of 3–5 million units for 2026 [3] - Total foldable iPhone shipments, including the second-generation model, could reach 20 million units in 2027 [3] Competitive Landscape - In February 2025, China's Oppo launched the AI-powered foldable Find N5 priced at approximately $1,867.70, while Huawei Technologies Co introduced the Mate XT trifold phone at $2,800 on September 20, 2024 [3]