Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone next year, a bold move that could bring in a massive $65 billion boost in sales.
Foldable iPhone Could Arrive in 2026
According to analysts at JP Morgan, the much-anticipated foldable iPhone will likely be part of the iPhone 18 lineup, set to arrive in September 2026. It’s expected to cost around $1,999 and will feature a book-style fold, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold phones.
While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed anything, JP Morgan believes the flip-style phone is the natural next step, especially as excitement around the current iPhone 17 starts to slow down.
Apple has a history of taking existing ideas, like smartwatches and tablets, and turning them into mainstream hits. JP Morgan expects the same with foldables, predicting a big jump in demand once Apple enters the market.
“The market for foldable smartphones is expected to be a niche one with positioning at the premium end of the total market,” said Samik Chatterjee from the bank.
The upcoming launch of a foldable iPhone could mark the biggest design change since Steve Jobs introduced the original iPhone back in 2007.
Over the years, Apple fans have eagerly awaited each new release, often lining up overnight just to be among the first to buy the latest model. But in recent times, updates have been more modest, things like slightly better battery life or small software tweaks, leaving some users underwhelmed.
JPMorgan’s Forecast for Foldable Demand
According to JPMorgan, the iPhone 17 series coming this fall will only see minor upgrades, and much of the attention is already shifting to what’s coming in 2026.
For Apple, the excitement around a foldable iPhone could be just what it needs. The company has been facing pressure to keep up its rapid growth, and its big event in June didn’t do much to convince people that it’s leading the way in AI, despite its huge hardware and software presence.
Apple’s shares have dropped 15% since the start of the year, as the company faces several challenges, including pressure from US tariffs on Chinese-made products.
Looking Ahead: Can Apple Regain Its Edge?
Adding to the tension, Apple’s former design chief Sir Jony Ive joined forces with OpenAI in May in a $6.5 billion project aimed at building a new kind of device that could rival the iPhone.
In what seemed like a subtle dig at Apple, Ive criticized current products as “legacy” devices relying on “decades-old” technology.
Apple is set to release its latest earnings report on Thursday. The company did not respond to requests for comment.
