Apple may be preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone as early as September 2026, according to a new note from JPMorgan.
The report, written by analyst Samik Chatterjee, suggests that the company is planning a significant design shift for the iPhone 18 series, with the introduction of a book-style foldable model.
This could mark Apple’s biggest form-factor innovation in years, arriving after what’s expected to be a relatively incremental upgrade with the iPhone 17 this fall.
While details are still emerging, the foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer screen, according to Chatterjee.
For comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 reportedly comes with an 8-inch inner display and a 6.5-inch cover screen.
Apple’s version, however, may stand apart with a crease-free folding mechanism, a design feature the industry anticipates will also debut in Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 in the same year.
Revenue potential and market impact
Chatterjee estimates the foldable iPhone could debut with a $1,999 price tag, placing it at the high end of the premium smartphone segment.
He projects that the new model could represent a significant revenue opportunity for Apple, potentially generating up to $65 billion in revenue and resulting in a high-single-digit boost to the company’s earnings in the medium term.
Sales volumes are expected to start modestly, with low-teens millions of units sold in fiscal 2027.
However, Chatterjee anticipates adoption will accelerate to the mid-40 million unit range by fiscal 2029, reflecting growing consumer interest and improvements in foldable technology.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities has also forecast that Apple will enter the foldable space in 2026.
Kuo similarly expects the foldable iPhone to command a “premium” price, aligning with Apple’s typical market strategy of focusing on high-margin, top-tier products.
Supplier beneficiaries: Amphenol and Corning
JPMorgan’s Chatterjee also highlighted two companies poised to benefit from Apple’s move into foldables: Amphenol and Corning.
Amphenol, a manufacturer of electronic connectors, and Corning, a leading specialty glass producer, are both likely to see gains tied to the high component content required for foldable smartphones.
Rather than benefiting from sheer unit volume, Chatterjee sees their upside as coming from the complexity and material demands of the foldable form factor.
Foldable displays typically require more advanced components, including flexible glass and robust internal connectors, giving these suppliers an opportunity to increase revenue per unit.
Year-to-date in 2025, both Amphenol and Corning have outpaced the broader market.
Amphenol shares are up more than 50%, and Corning has advanced over 30%, well above the S&P 500’s roughly 8% gain in the same period. In contrast, Apple shares have declined more than 15% year to date.
Looking ahead
As investor attention begins to shift toward Apple’s 2026 product lineup, the company’s rumored entry into the foldable segment could mark a pivotal moment.
While execution risks remain—particularly in hardware design and consumer adoption—Apple’s historical strength in industrial design and ecosystem integration may offer it a competitive advantage.
With a multi-year ramp-up forecast and strong supplier tailwinds, the foldable iPhone could become a defining product in Apple’s next growth cycle.
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