Apple set to launch first foldable iPhone in 2026
Analysts at Wall Street firm JP Morgan revealed on Tuesday that the long-awaited foldable device will be part of the iPhone 18 series, scheduled for release in September 2026, with a projected price of $1,999.
The new phone, designed in a book-style fold similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold lineup, will position Apple alongside Samsung, which has been selling foldable smartphones since 2019.
While Apple has yet to confirm the launch, JP Morgan closely follows the company's developments and views the foldable iPhone as a natural progression following the eventual slowdown of the iPhone 17's sales cycle.
Historically, Apple has taken existing technologies—such as smartwatches and tablets—and popularized them for the mainstream market. JP Morgan expects this trend to continue with foldable smartphones, forecasting significant growth in the market driven by Apple's entry.
Samik Chatterjee, an analyst at JP Morgan, said, 'The market for foldable smartphones is expected to remain niche but positioned at the premium end of the market.'
The introduction of a foldable iPhone would represent the most significant design overhaul since Apple's first smartphone debut in 2007, a launch that revolutionized mobile technology.
Each new iPhone release has typically sparked strong consumer interest, with fans often queuing overnight to purchase the latest model. However, recent updates have been less groundbreaking, often focusing on modest improvements such as battery life and minor software tweaks.
JP Morgan also noted that the upcoming iPhone 17 series, set to launch this autumn, is expected to feature 'fairly limited' enhancements, with investor attention already shifting toward next year's foldable model.
This news comes as a much-needed boost for Apple, which has faced challenges maintaining its rapid growth. In June, Apple's annual product event failed to excite investors, particularly amid concerns that the company is lagging behind competitors in the field of artificial intelligence despite its vast hardware and software ecosystem.
Since the start of the year, Apple's shares have fallen by 15%, affected by various pressures, including tariffs imposed by former President Trump on Chinese-made goods.
Adding to Apple's challenges, former chief designer Sir Jony Ive joined OpenAI in May as part of a $6.5 billion initiative aimed at competing with the iPhone. In a pointed critique, Ive criticized existing 'legacy' products for relying on 'decades-old' technology.
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