Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone could carry a price tag of over Rs 6 lakh.

Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch its first foldable handset, a move that would push the company’s pricing to a record high in its history. Industry sources say the device, tentatively dubbed the “iPhone Fold,” will be positioned at the top of the premium segment, with a launch price exceeding six hundred thousand rupees in Pakistan. That figure would make it more expensive than the current flagship iPhone 15 Pro Max, which typically sells for around Rs 3 lakh, and places it squarely in the same price bracket as high‑end foldables from Samsung and Huawei.

Analysts attribute the steep price to the sophisticated hinge mechanism and the use of ultra‑light, reinforced materials that Apple plans to employ. The foldable market has been dominated by competitors that have already refined their designs over several generations, and Apple’s entry is expected to feature a seamless transition between screen modes, a robust polymer‑glass composite, and advanced software integration. Such engineering feats usually come with a hefty bill of materials, which is reflected in the projected retail cost.

For Pakistani consumers, the new iPhone Fold will likely appear in major retail chains and authorized Apple resellers, but its price could confine it to a niche of affluent buyers and tech enthusiasts. Import duties and GST add another layer of expense, meaning the on‑ground price may edge even higher than the quoted figure. Nevertheless, the device could become a status symbol for the country’s growing high‑net‑worth segment and may prompt local carriers to roll out exclusive data‑bundles to attract premium customers.

Apple’s decision to step into the foldable arena signals a strategic shift aimed at defending its dominance as other manufacturers expand their offerings in this emerging category. While the company has not confirmed a launch timeline, rumors suggest a 2027 release, giving Apple time to perfect the hinge technology and align its iOS ecosystem with the new form factor. If the price point holds, the iPhone Fold will set a new benchmark not just for Apple but for the entire South Asian smartphone market.

The high price is expected to spark debate among Pakistani tech circles about whether the added flexibility justifies the cost, especially when comparable foldable models from rivals are already available at slightly lower price tiers. Whatever the outcome, Apple’s entry will intensify competition and could accelerate the adoption of foldable devices among the region’s premium consumers.