As Apple prepares to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in a few weeks, investor attention is already shifting to what could be a much more significant update in 2026, with the introduction of a foldable iPhone.
That includes JPMorgan, which just released new predictions on what to expect.
September 2026 launch, with a $1,999 price tag
In a note to clients (via CNBC), JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee said Apple is likely to launch its first foldable iPhone in September 2026, echoing expectations set by other analysts and leaks in recent months:
“With the upgrades to the iPhone 17 series to be released this fall expected to be fairly limited, investor focus has already turned to the 2026 fall launches with Apple expected to launch its first foldable iPhone as part of the iPhone 18 lineup in September 2026, featuring a book-style fold similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.”
The so-called iPhone Fold is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer screen, and one advantage over Samsung’s book-style foldable device: the crease. Or rather, the lack of it.
Rumors have been pointing to the iPhone sporting a crease-free inner display, a technology the broader industry also expects Samsung to debut with next year’s Z Fold 8.
Chatterjee projected a $1,999 price tag (which is on the lower end of the previously expected $2,100 to $2,300 range) and said the phone could generate a $65 billion revenue opportunity, leading to a ‘high-single-digit’ earnings boost over the medium term.
As for shipments, he expects volumes to start in the “low teens” of millions in fiscal 2027, climbing to the “mid-40s of millions by fiscal 2029.”
A foldable iPhone lifts all boats
When it comes to the supply chain impact of a foldable iPhone, Chatterjee pointed to connector manufacturer Amphenol and specialty glass maker Corning as key beneficiaries, “primarily driven by high content in foldable phones rather than the volume associated with it.”
As CBNC noted, both companies have already posted strong gains in 2025, with Amphenol shares up more than 50% year to date, and Corning up over 30%, far outpacing the S&P 500’s 8% rise. Apple, by contrast, has underperformed the broader market this year, with its stock down more than 10% so far.
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