Apple's long-rumored evolution of the iPhone could be its most expensive yet

A foldable iPhone would compete with offerings from Samsung, Huawei, and more.VCG/VCG via Getty ImagesNotable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts Apple's foldable iPhone could launch in late 2026 and cost over $2000.The first foldable iPhone would likely be a luxury offering, balancing Apple's lower-priced models.

CEO Tim Cook has said "there's a lot of innovation left on the smartphone."Chatter around the long-rumored foldable iPhone is picking up.If it turns out to be true, the device sounds expensive — and impressively high-end.

To be clear, Apple hasn't confirmed plans to build a foldable iPhone. However, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities published a note on Wednesday with more details on a foldable iPhone design that he had previously heard about.Kuo, known for his Apple predictions and supply-chain sourcing, described the mysterious project as a "top-tier iPhone" with a "crease-free inner display" and an expected retail price of over $2000.

The device could begin mass production in the last quarter of 2026, Kuo said.Such a price tag would make it more expensive than any of its predecessors and many MacBook models, but Kuo said the iPhone's "must-have" status would attract a strong demand for a premium device if the quality is up to par. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is currently the priciest smartphone Apple offers starting at $1199.

"A phone with such a high price point affords Apple a true higher-end luxury offering to balance out the push on lower-pric.