Vertu Unveils Alphafold AI Foldable Phone for Enterprise Executives at $6,880

Alphafold Launch Targets Enterprise Market

Luxury smartphone brand Vertu unveiled a foldable phone powered by an AI agent that connects with enterprise software and coordinates workflows. The company is targeting executives who manage business operations and communications on the move. The device, called the Alphafold, starts at $6,880 for the calfskin version.

Premium Positioning and Customization

Higher-end models feature bespoke finishes including alligator leather, 18K gold, and natural diamond accents, along with customized detailing. This continues Vertu's long-standing strategy of positioning its phones as luxury status symbols aimed at affluent buyers. The company told TechCrunch that its highest-end standard model is currently priced at $46,800, with further customization options available.

Hardware and Privacy Architecture

The Alphafold is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor and features an 8.05-inch foldable display alongside a 6.53-inch outer screen, a 6,500 mAh battery, and satellite communication capabilities. Commercially sensitive data can be processed locally on the device, while prompts sent to external AI models are redacted or tokenized before leaving the phone.

Strategic Pivot for Vertu

The launch marks Vertu's latest attempt to reinvent itself for the AI era after struggling to remain relevant in the modern smartphone market. The Alphafold is not Vertu's first attempt to combine AI with foldable devices. The company last year introduced Agent Q, a clamshell-style foldable smartphone focused on AI-driven automation and productivity features. However, Ma told TechCrunch that Alphafold represents a significant step forward from Agent Q, arguing that AI-agent technology has matured rapidly over the past year, with improvements in memory, automation, and app integration.