- A new study suggests that a foldable iPhone could be surprisingly popular
- It claims that 14% of iPhone users cite “new phone concepts” as their biggest reason for upgrading
- That translates to millions of potential foldable iPhone customers
Despite the fact that smartphone companies have been making foldable phones for years now, the industry has never really taken off. But with Apple poised to enter the fray in September, the Cupertino giant could change the game in a big way — and a new study seems to back up that idea.
According to research from CNET, up to 14% of iPhone users in the US feel that a “new phone concept” would be the primary motivator for them to upgrade their device. CNET specifically explained that this includes ideas like flip or foldable phones, which could conceivably include the upcoming iPhone Ultra.
Now, 14% might not seem like much, but remember that we’re talking about one of the most popular smartphone brands on the planet.
Apple’s latest financial results show that in the three months to March 28, 2026, the company earned nearly $57 billion in revenue from the iPhone alone. Although Apple doesn’t report how many individual devices it covered, research by analysts at IDC pegged the number of iPhones sold in 2025 at 247.4 million.
In other words, even if only 14% of iPhone users upgrade to the foldable iPhone Ultra, that’s a huge number of people — and a massive revenue boost for Apple, considering the device is rumored to cost upwards of $2,000.
Would you buy a foldable iPhone?
Interestingly, CNET itself didn’t seem very impressed with the survey results. The business claimed that they showed that “smartphone users are not sufficiently impressed by new features and concepts to consider upgrading their phones,” and said that “only” 13% of smartphone users overall are tempted by new designs.
But when we consider the large numbers involved here, even 1% is a significant number. It’s also worth bearing in mind that given its expected sky-high price tag, most iPhone users will understandably pass on the iPhone Ultra. With a price of $2,000 or more, you will never see a study where, for example, 50% of customers say they will take the plunge.
But what about you? Are “new phone concepts” like the iPhone Ultra tempting you to spend money on a new iPhone upgrade? Or would you rather stick with more traditional form factors? Let us know if you’d consider buying the iPhone Ultra in the poll below.
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