Mahal IPhone Fold Engsel Turns Out To Be Cheaper Than Estimated

Illustration of folding Engsel in the iPhone Fold (photo: x @iphonesoft_fr)

JAKARTA - The foldable iPhone Fold that has long been rumored can be a major savings key for Apple. The Ming-Chi Kuo analyst estimates that the cost of producing these components will be around 20 to 40 US dollars (around Rp326,600 Rp653,200) lower than the market's initial estimate.

The iPhone Fold's main feature is of course the ability of the screen to fold, and it relies heavily on a strong hinge mechanism and precision. Although flexible screens are in the spotlight, hinges play an important role in ensuring the device can be opened and closed without problems and lasts a long time.

This hinge mechanism usually costs a lot of money in its development process. However, in the notes shared by Ming-Chi Kuo on Sunday, these costs may not be as high as many suspects.

According to Kuo, when this hinge starts to be mass-produced, the production cost is estimated to be only around $70,80 per unit (approximately IDR 1.143 million IDR 1.306 million). This figure is much lower than current market expectations which reach 100120 US dollars per unit (approximately IDR 1.633 million IDR 1.959 million), maybe even higher.

Engsel Production By Two Companies

The responsibility for hinge production will be held by two main companies. Foxconn, an old partner in Apple's supply chain, will work closely with Shin Zu Shing through a joint venture to produce these components.

This collaboration managed to secure about 65% of Apple's total hinge orders, while the rest will be worked on by the company Amphenol.

If this project is successful, it is likely that a third producer will be involved. Luxshare is touted as a strong candidate, but it is estimated that it will only join after 2027.

The entry of Luxshare into the production chain will be good news for Apple as it can increase competition and reduce production costs further, thereby increasing the company's profit margin.

Strength And Design Remain Priority

Previous rumors mentioned that the iPhone Fold may look like two units of iPhone Air combined with a hinge in the middle. To keep weights light but strong, Apple is rumored to be using titanium and aluminum material on device frames.

Previously, Kuo had predicted that Apple might use a stainless steel frame with a liquid metal hinge, but this would actually make the device much heavier.

Regarding when the iPhone Fold was actually launched into the market, Kuo did not provide any new clues. This folding model has been rumored to be released "next year" since 2019, but until now there has been no clear sign that the project is getting closer to the mass production stage