Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Launch in 2026 at $1,999

Apple hasn’t even introduced the iPhone 17 lineup yet, but investor attention is already shifting to what could be its most ambitious hardware launch in years. According to JPMorgan, Apple is on track to release a foldable iPhone by 2026, potentially anchoring the iPhone 18 family.

Foldable iPhone Tipped for Fall 2026 with $1,999 Price Tag

In a note to investors cited by CNBC, JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee projects that Apple will debut its first foldable iPhone in September 2026. The device is expected to feature a book-style fold design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup, but with one key difference: Apple may deliver a nearly invisible crease on the inner display.

The current prototype reportedly includes a 7.8-inch internal screen and a 5.5-inch external display. Additional hardware rumors suggest a titanium frame, a robust Liquid Metal hinge, dual rear cameras, and a return of Touch ID in place of Face ID.

JPMorgan expects pricing to land at $1,999, which undercuts some early projections in the $2,100 to $2,300 range. That figure is also in line with a previous UBS estimate, which floated a $1,800 to $2,000 price window. While still steep, the number puts Apple in a more competitive position relative to high-end foldables already on the market.

Analyst Sees Billions in Upside, With Suppliers Set to Gain

If Apple hits its projected timeline, JPMorgan believes the iPhone Fold could generate a $65 billion opportunity over the medium term. The firm forecasts a moderate earnings lift in the high single digits, assuming Apple ramps production gradually.

Initial shipments are expected to start in the low teens of millions for fiscal 2027, with volumes growing to the mid-40 million range by fiscal 2029. That scale would make Apple a dominant player in foldables almost immediately, given the segment’s current size.

Suppliers are already feeling the potential upside. JPMorgan specifically flagged Amphenol (connectors) and Corning (specialty glass) as beneficiaries of the component-heavy design. Both have seen their stock prices surge in 2025, while Apple shares have trailed amid broader macro pressures and lukewarm recent product cycles.

Spring iPhone Launches Could Precede Foldable Debut

In a related shift, Apple may also be reworking its iPhone release cadence starting in 2026. Reports suggest the company could stagger its launches, with baseline iPhone 18 and 18e models arriving in the spring, followed by Pro, Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone in the fall.

Such a change would break from Apple’s typical September iPhone event structure, potentially giving lower-end models more room to breathe before high-end flagships arrive. That might also reflect manufacturing complexity or yield differences between product tiers.

Still a Prototype, But Timeline Aligns With Broader Rumors

While nothing is finalized, the foldable iPhone remains in the prototype stage, with mass production not expected until the second half of 2026. That timeline is consistent with other reports pointing to a late 2026 reveal.

For now, all focus is on the iPhone 17 lineup due this September. But if JPMorgan’s forecast holds, the real hardware shake-up could be waiting just two years down the line.

Would a $1,999 foldable iPhone be a dealbreaker or a breakthrough? Drop your take in the comments below.