Survey Suggests iPhone Users Eye Foldables, But Analysts Say Apple Faces Little Risk
A new survey indicates that nearly one in three iPhone owners could consider switching to foldable smartphones from rival brands if Apple delays launching its own foldable until 2026.
The study, conducted by SellCell among more than 2,000 U.S. iPhone owners, found that 20.1% of respondents would look at Samsung’s foldables, while 10.2% would consider Google’s models. Another 3.3% said they are specifically waiting for an iPhone foldable before upgrading.
Still, industry analysts caution that curiosity doesn’t necessarily equal migration. “There’s a big difference between considering and actually switching,” said Ross Rubin of Reticle Research. IDC’s Francisco Jeronimo agreed, noting that foldables currently represent less than 2% of global smartphone shipments.
Despite the hype, Apple is expected to enjoy a strong upgrade cycle this fall, with 68.3% of surveyed users planning to buy the upcoming iPhone 17. Experts believe Apple’s absence in the foldable market won’t hurt near-term sales. “We don’t see foldables as a mainstream product yet — they’re still niche, expensive, and low volume,” said William Kerwin of Morningstar Research.
Apple has historically taken its time with new categories, entering only when the technology matures. Analysts say issues such as durability, cost, and display quality have delayed Apple’s entry into foldables, though many expect a launch by 2026. “Apple will likely redefine the category when it arrives, just as it did with tablets and smartwatches,” said Mark N. Vena of SmartTech Research.
For now, foldables remain largely a curiosity for iPhone users rather than a deal-breaker. “The survey shows impatience, but not a mass exodus,” Vena added. “When Apple does release its version, it could be the tipping point that makes foldables mainstream.”