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Vertu Returns With the AlphaFold, a $6,880–$46,800 AI Book‑Style Foldable

The phone packages an onboard Hermes agent with a custom layer for ERP access to let executives run workflows on-device by linking to enterprise systems, popular apps, external AI models.

Overview

  • Vertu unveiled the AlphaFold on Thursday, May 28, 2026, and has begun selling limited batches of the book‑style foldable aimed at wealthy executives and business buyers.
  • The device ships with the Hermes Agent, which Vertu says can break multi‑step requests into tasks, control apps, and connect to ERP and CRM systems through a Vertu Productivity Suite.
  • Vertu published full specs including a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, an 8.05‑inch 120Hz inner display, a 6,500‑mAh silicon‑anode battery, 65W charging, and a hinge tested to 650,000 folds.
  • Pricing starts at about $6,880 for the calfskin edition and rises to roughly $46,800 for bespoke models, with assembly listed in China and a head office in Hong Kong despite the brand’s British heritage.
  • Reporters and analysts flag open issues: the phone ships with Android 15, Vertu has not committed to a clear software update policy or independent security audits, and ownership and past device privacy lapses raise questions about data protections.