India, Nov. 25 -- Apple's long-rumoured foldable iPhone is edging closer to launch, and a new analyst report suggests it may arrive as early as next year, with a price tag far higher than expected.

According to a new forecast from Fubon Research, Apple's first foldable iPhone is likely to cost around $2,399 (roughly Rs.2 lakh), positioning it well above every device in Apple's current lineup. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the company's most expensive flagship, starts at $1,199. The reported price for the foldable effectively doubles that.

The timing aligns with a broader shift in the foldable smartphone category. Samsung recently said foldables have "finally become mainstream," citing major improvements after several generation...