Luxury smartphone maker Vertu has unveiled a new foldable device designed specifically for business executives who manage operations on the move.The device, called Alphafold, starts at $6,880 for its base calfskin version, while premium editions featuring materials such as alligator leather, 18K gold, and diamond accents can reach up to $46,800, with additional customizations available.Vertu is positioning the product as a high-end status device that merges luxury hardware with enterprise-grade artificial intelligence capabilities.

At the core of Alphafold is an AI agent system called Hermes Agent, built on an open-source framework, which is designed to connect with enterprise systems such as ERP and CRM platforms.

The agent can handle tasks including approvals, scheduling, sales tracking, travel coordination, and operational reporting through natural-language commands.

The system is also designed to route requests across multiple AI models, including offerings from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and selected open-source models, while integrating with dozens of apps and native phone functions.

Vertu emphasizes a privacy-focused architecture that includes a proprietary security chip intended to isolate sensitive data such as biometric credentials and enterprise information.The company claims that some processing can occur directly on-device, with external prompts being redacted or tokenized.

However, it has acknowledged that the system has not yet undergone independent third-party security audits, though such certification is planned in the future.The device features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, an 8.05-inch foldable main display, a 6.53-inch outer screen, a 6,500mAh battery, satellite connectivity, and a triple-camera system.The hinge is rated for up to 650,000 folds.Vertu is shipping an initial batch of 115 units, reflecting its highly limited and premium positioning.

The company is attempting to reinvent itself in the AI era after years of ownership changes and declining relevance in the mainstream smartphone market.

Industry data suggests foldable phones remain a niche segment, representing a small share of global shipments, but Vertu is betting that AI-driven enterprise workflows could help expand their appeal among business users.