- New survey suggests a foldable iPhone could be surprisingly popular
- He says 14% of iPhone users cite “new phone concepts” as their main reason for upgrading.
- This could translate into millions of potential foldable iPhone customers
Despite the fact that smartphone makers have been making foldable phones for years, the industry has never really taken off. But with Apple poised to enter the fray in September, the Cupertino giant could be a significant game-changer – and a new survey appears to back that idea up.
According to a CNET study, up to 14% of iPhone users in the United States believe that a “new concept of phone” would be the main motivation for upgrading their device. CNET specifically explained that this encompasses ideas like flip or foldable phones, which could eventually include the next iPhone Ultra.
Now, 14% might not seem like a lot, but remember we’re talking about one of the most popular smartphone brands on the planet here.
Apple’s latest financial results show that in the three months to March 28, 2026, the company made nearly $57 billion in revenue from iPhone alone. Although Apple doesn’t specify the number of individual units, research from IDC analysts put the number of iPhones sold in 2025 at 247.4 million.
In other words, even if just 14% of iPhone users upgrade to the foldable iPhone Ultra, that’s a huge number of people — and a huge increase in Apple’s revenue, considering the device would cost more than $2,000.
Would you buy a foldable iPhone?
Interestingly, CNET itself doesn’t seem very impressed with the survey results. The outlet argued that they showed that “smartphone users are not impressed enough by new features and concepts to consider upgrading their phones”, claiming that “only” 13% of smartphone users overall are tempted by the new designs.
But when you consider the numbers involved here, even 1% is a significant number. It’s also worth remembering that given its exorbitant price, most iPhone users will naturally pass up the iPhone Ultra. At a cost of $2,000 or more, you’ll never see a survey where, say, 50% of customers say they want to 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 do you prefer to stick to more traditional form factors? Let us know if you’re considering buying the iPhone Ultra in the survey below.
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