Vertu Launches Luxury Foldable Smartphone with AI Integration for Business Executives

Luxury smartphone brand Vertu on Thursday 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.

Dubbed the Alphafold, this innovative smartphone starts at $6,880 with a calfskin finish. Premium versions offer bespoke options, including alligator leather, 18K gold, and diamond accents, tailored to individual preferences. This approach reinforces Vertu’s strategy of catering to high-net-worth individuals and positioning its devices as symbols of luxury. ToolsMixAi reported that the most expensive standard model is priced at $46,800, with extensive customization possibilities.

The release signals Vertu’s latest effort to redefine its brand amid challenges in the competitive smartphone landscape. Previously celebrated for luxury devices and concierge services preferred by elite clientele prior to the iPhone’s dominance, the Hong Kong-based company has seen several ownership changes in response to mainstream market pressures. Nevertheless, Vertu is optimistic that the Alphafold can bridge the gap between opulence and advanced AI functionalities.

Equipped with Hermes Agent, based on the open-source Hermes project developed by Nous Research, the Alphafold can engage with enterprise software such as ERP and CRM systems. This AI agent can manage various tasks, including approvals, scheduling, and travel planning through natural-language commands. Vertu also noted that its Phone-to-ERP and VPS installations would be tailored for each client, with pricing based on their existing systems.

Vertu highlighted that Alphafold can manage requests using multiple AI models such as OpenAI’s GPT and Google’s Gemini, while also integrating with a wide range of applications to streamline workflows.

Unlike most mainstream AI features in smartphones, which primarily focus on consumer functions, Vertu CEO Molly Ma noted the opportunity for sophisticated AI-driven workflows that connect to enterprise systems. She mentioned earlier AI smartphone initiatives in China that experienced high consumer interest but ultimately faced challenges regarding data privacy and cloud data management.

To alleviate privacy concerns, the Alphafold incorporates a proprietary A5 security chip aimed at safeguarding biometric and sensitive data. Vertu emphasized that data processing could transpire locally, with requests to external AI systems anonymized before transmission.

Despite the emphasis on security and privacy features, Vertu acknowledged that its technology has not yet been subject to independent third-party security evaluations. However, the company expressed intentions to pursue these assessments as it continues to advance its security framework.

Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, Alphafold showcases an 8.05-inch foldable screen and a 6.53-inch exterior display, along with a 6,500mAh battery and satellite connectivity. It also features a triple-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main camera, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens. The hinge mechanism is enhanced with metal and carbon-fiber components, designed for durability with an expected lifespan of up to 650,000 folds.

Previously, Vertu attempted to merge AI with foldable technology, releasing the Agent Q, which emphasized automation and productivity in a clamshell format.

Ma indicated that the Alphafold signifies notable advancements since the Agent Q, reflecting rapid progress in AI capabilities, especially regarding memory and application integration.

Although foldable phones constitute a relatively small segment of the global market, with IDC estimating around 20 million units shipped in 2025, the high average price of such devices suggests a lucrative niche for brands like Vertu. Indeed, IDC noted that foldables commanded prices roughly threefold those of regular smartphones.

Kiranjeet Kaur from IDC stated that foldable devices could benefit from AI-driven workflows, as their expansive displays lend themselves well to multitasking. Nevertheless, she emphasized that enterprise AI adoption on smartphones still trails behind that of desktop systems, with enterprise decisions largely influenced by operational integration rather than AI functionalities.

The initial batch of 115 units for the Vertu Alphafold will commence shipping this week to major markets, including the U.S.