Speculation regarding next year’s ‘iPhone Fold’ is on the rise, with lofty expectations surrounding the price of this new device. These rumors might prompt Apple to explore premium pricing this year by introducing an iPhone 17 Ultra. Here’s why that could make sense.
Huge Leap in Pricing for iPhone Fold
After several years of modest updates, the iPhone is on the cusp of an exhilarating new chapter.
This year, we can expect an ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air along with significant design enhancements for the Pro versions. There’s even talk of Apple debuting its first iPhone Ultra.
Looking ahead to next year, Apple plans to release its inaugural foldable model, the ‘iPhone Fold.’ This device is anticipated to serve as a versatile 2-in-1, operating like an iPhone when folded and transforming into an iPad mini when opened up.
However, this innovative functionality will come with a premium price tag.
Reputable Apple insiders Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo have both provided their insights regarding the anticipated pricing for the upcoming foldable iPhone.
They estimate the starting price to be around $2,000.
If you keep an eye on foldable phones, this isn’t far off from the existing market rates; for instance, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold starts at $1,899.
However, compared to the current range of iPhones, a price tag of $2,000 represents a significant jump.
The priciest model currently available is the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which begins at $1,199.
If the rumors hold true, Apple would leap from a starting point of $1,200 for its most premium model to $2,000 or more.
While pricing predictions can be elusive, the $2,000 figure seems plausible given the pricing of comparable foldables.
This speculation about pricing might also suggest that Apple has an additional incentive to roll out the iPhone 17 Ultra this year.
Testing Premium Market Demand with iPhone 17 Ultra
I previously discussed how rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 Pro Max hint at the potential for an Ultra branding.
Current speculation for the 17 Pro Max includes:
Although Apple usually keeps the Pro and Pro Max models consistent, this year might be uniquely different.
If this holds true, rebranding the Pro Max as an iPhone 17 Ultra could be very logical.
Introducing both an iPhone Ultra and an iPhone Air within the iPhone 17 series would provide Apple with its most thrilling lineup in years.
Crucially, an Ultra model could gauge the market’s response to an unprecedented pricing structure.
Imagine if Apple were to debut the iPhone 17 Ultra at a price point of $1,499.
If successful, Apple would be well-positioned to launch a $1,999 iPhone Fold without concerns about pricing.
However, if Ultra sales do not meet expectations compared to the regular Pro Max figures, Apple would glean valuable insights into market dynamics.
The data collected from this market test would empower Apple to strategize its iPhone pricing leading up to the introduction of the iPhone Fold (and potentially additional models) in the coming year.
With Apple revolutionizing its iPhone lineup over the next 18 months, a rethink of pricing strategies will be essential.
The iPhone 17 Ultra could not only attract users but also furnish Apple with the intelligence required for pricing its pioneering foldable model, steering the company into this thrilling new iPhone era.
What pricing do you foresee for the iPhone 17 Ultra, and how much would you be willing to invest? Share your thoughts in the comments.
