As Apple gets ready to reveal the iPhone 17 series in a few weeks, investor focus is already turning to what might be a far more substantial update in 2026, namely the launch of a foldable iPhone.
This includes JPMorgan, which has just issued fresh forecasts on what to anticipate.
### Launch Scheduled for September 2026, Priced at $1,999
In a message to clients (via CNBC), JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee indicated that Apple is expected to introduce its inaugural foldable iPhone in September 2026, aligning with predictions made by other analysts and recent leaks:
> “Given that the enhancements to the iPhone 17 series launched this autumn are anticipated to be rather limited, investors are already shifting their attention to the fall launches in 2026, with Apple expected to debut its first foldable iPhone as part of the iPhone 18 series in September 2026, featuring a book-style fold akin to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.”
The anticipated iPhone Fold is likely to showcase a 7.8-inch inner screen and a 5.5-inch outer display, benefiting from one aspect over Samsung’s book-style foldable device: the absence of a crease.
Speculation has suggested that the iPhone will feature a crease-free inner display, a technology that the wider industry also expects Samsung to introduce with next year’s Z Fold 8.
Chatterjee forecasted a $1,999 price point (which falls at the lower end of the previously anticipated $2,100 to $2,300 range) and mentioned that the device could create a $65 billion revenue prospect, leading to a ‘high-single-digit’ earnings increase over the medium term.
Regarding shipments, he projects volumes to commence in the “low teens” of millions in fiscal 2027, rising to the “mid-40s of millions by fiscal 2029.”
### A Foldable iPhone Benefits All Players
In terms of the supply chain ramifications of a foldable iPhone, Chatterjee identified connector manufacturer Amphenol and specialty glass producer Corning as significant beneficiaries, “mainly driven by high content in foldable phones rather than the volume related to it.”
As CNBC highlighted, both firms have already demonstrated substantial growth in 2025, with Amphenol shares increasing more than 50% year to date, and Corning seeing a rise of over 30%, significantly outpacing the S&P 500’s 8% gain. Conversely, Apple has lagged behind the broader market this year, with its stock declining more than 10% thus far.
