AAPL - FUBON: FIRST FOLDABLE IPHONE LIKELY PRICED AT 2,399 Fubon Research expects global smartphone shipments to drop 4% in 2026, with iPhone volumes falling to 234 million. Rising component costs, including DRAM up 75% from late 2024, will push smartphone production costs 5–7% higher. Amid the downturn, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is seen as the main industry catalyst. Due to expensive components, Fubon estimates a 2,399 launch price. The firm expects 5.4 million units to ship in 2026 and 15.4 million over the device’s lifecycle. Fubon also expects the 2026 iPhone lineup to add a variable-aperture camera. Foldables, it says, will be the only bright spot in the 2026 smartphone market.(*Walter Bloomberg)