Apple Unveils $3,700 Foldable IPhone Amid Chipflation
The chipflation triggered by artificial intelligence has driven up the prices of new smartphone products this year by an average of 25%. As Apple, which has released its first foldable phone, spearheads a premium strategy to open the era of the 5,000,000 won (about $3,700) smartphone, market analyst
AI-driven "chipflation" has surged smartphone prices this year by around 25%, with Apple introducing its inaugural foldable iPhone, the 'iPhone Duo,' to spearhead a high-priced market segment. The domestic launch price for the 256GB model starts at 3,290,000 won, exceeding 5,000,000 won for the top-tier 2TB model. Apple's flagship iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launch prices also climbed to 1,990,000 won and 2,190,000 won, respectively.
Memory semiconductor prices, fueled by AI data center investments, have heightened the cost burden on manufacturers, including Apple. The average selling price of smartphones worldwide has risen by 15%, with newly launched models experiencing a 25% average price increase. This price surge is anticipated to intensify competition among manufacturers, who may prioritize premium models over quantity.
Analysts attribute Apple's focus on high-end products to the premiumization strategy, with foldable phones serving as a distinct, easily distinguishable option in a market where flat smartphone designs become harder to differentiate. The overall smartphone market may contract by 17%, according to IDC, while foldable phone sales are expected to rise by 12% to 22.9 million units, primarily driven by the iPhone Duo launch effect.
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