- New survey suggests a foldable iPhone could be surprisingly popular
- It claims that 14% of iPhone users cite “new phone concepts” as their main reason for upgrading.
- That could translate into millions of potential foldable iPhone customers
Even though smartphone companies have been making foldable phones for years, the industry has never taken off on a large scale. But with Apple set to enter the fray in September, the Cupertino giant could change the game in a big way, and a new survey seems to back up that idea.
According to CNET research, up to 14% of US iPhone users feel that a “new phone concept” would be the main motivator for upgrading their device. CNET specifically explained that this covers ideas like foldable phones, which would possibly include the upcoming iPhone Ultra.
Now, 14% may not seem like much, but remember that we are talking about one of the most popular smartphone brands on the planet.
Apple’s latest financial results show that in the three months ending March 28, 2026, the company made nearly $57 billion in revenue from the iPhone alone. While Apple doesn’t report how many individual units they comprised, research from IDC analysts 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 turnout and a huge revenue boost for Apple, considering the device is rumored to cost over $2,000.
Would you buy a foldable iPhone?
Curiously, CNET itself didn’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”, and said that “only” 13% of smartphone users overall are tempted by new designs.
But when we consider the numbers involved here, even 1% is a considerable figure. It’s also worth remembering that, given its expected sky-high price, it’s understandable that most iPhone users prefer the iPhone Ultra. At $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? Do “new phone concepts” like the iPhone Ultra tempt you to spend money on a new iPhone upgrade? Or would you prefer to stick with more traditional form factors? Let us know if you would consider purchasing the iPhone Ultra in the survey below.
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