Will Apple's Foldable iPhone Shift Its Fortunes? 2026 Launch Tipped to Reignite Buzz

Apple is poised to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first foldable iPhone, rumoured for release in September 2026 as part of the iPhone 18 lineup.

The move, reported by The Telegraph on 29 July 2025, could reinvigorate the tech giant's growth amid stagnating iPhone sales and competition from Samsung and Google.

Priced at an estimated £1,500 ($1,999), the device is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a book-style design, aiming to capture consumer excitement and bolster Apple's market position.

A Bold Bet on Foldable Technology

The foldable iPhone, rumoured to launch with the iPhone 18 series, is Apple's response to a market dominated by Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold and Google's Pixel Fold.

JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee predicts it will create a £49 billion ($65 billion) market opportunity, with sales reaching 13 million units in 2027 and 45 million by fiscal 2029.

The device is expected to feature a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display from Samsung Display, a 5.5-inch outer display, a titanium chassis, and a dual-camera system, per MacRumors.

Production is slated to begin in late 2025 with Foxconn, Apple's long-time partner, targeting 15–20 million units over its lifecycle, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

X posts from @TheOptionsPlug stated, 'Apple to launch foldable iPhone in 2026, creating $65B market.'

The design aims to differentiate Apple from competitors, leveraging its brand loyalty.

Stagnating Sales Prompt Innovation

Apple's iPhone sales have faced challenges, with a 3.2% decline in global shipments in 2024 compared to 2023, per IDC data, as consumers delay upgrades due to incremental updates.

Existing foldable smartphones lack the thinness, lightness, and energy efficiency required to align with Apple's rigorous standards, explaining Apple's cautious approach to entering this market, according to Jeff Pu, an analyst at Hong Kong-based brokerage Haitong International Securities.

The foldable iPhone could reverse this trend, appealing to high-end users and Android switchers.

JPMorgan estimates 64% of foldable iPhone buyers will come from Android, as posted by @MaxWinebach, 'They're estimating around 13M units, with the majority from Android users switching to iOS.'

However, foldables remain niche, with only 19 million units sold globally in 2024, per IDC, compared to 1.2 billion total smartphones.

Challenges and Market Risks

The foldable iPhone's £1,500 ($1,999) price tag, higher than the iPhone 16 Pro Max at £900 ($1,199), may deter cost-conscious buyers.

X posts from @TheGalox_ cautioned, 'It trails behind 2025 foldables and will likely be more expensive.'

Reports suggest Apple has been collaborating with Asian suppliers since 2024 to overcome these challenges, but delays could push the launch to early 202.

The foldable iPhone must also compete in a crowded market where consumer preferences are shifting towards affordability and sustainability.

For Apple, the stakes are high. A successful launch could solidify its position as an innovation leader, attracting professionals seeking versatile devices and students drawn to the brand's prestige.

Yet, failure to deliver a compelling product could cede ground to rivals. The focus on iOS 27 development tailored for foldables underscores Apple's commitment to a seamless user experience, but the company must balance innovation with accessibility to ensure broad appeal.

A successful launch could boost Apple's stock, up 8% in 2025, per CNBC, but failure risks damaging its premium brand in a competitive market.