Apple’s Priciest iPhone Gamble Could Pay Off

A $2,500 foldable iPhone is expected to ship more than 10 million units in its first year, according to a major market forecast.

Story Highlights

International Data Corporation (IDC) projects Apple’s first foldable iPhone will top 10 million shipments in year one.
Bloomberg reports the device is on track for a September launch window alongside Apple’s fall lineup.
Analysts expect a price around $2,000 to $2,500 while still predicting strong demand.
IDC says foldable phones are set for sharp growth into 2026, leaving room for a big Apple debut.

IDC Forecast: Apple’s Foldable To Clear 10 Million Units

International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts Apple’s first foldable iPhone will exceed 10 million shipments in its first year on the market, despite a price near $2,500. IDC senior leaders have framed the call as part of a broader view that Apple will seize a major slice of the foldable category quickly. Prior IDC modeling projected foldable shipments would grow into 2026, setting the stage for a large Apple entry that can move units and market value in a hurry.

Apple’s expected volume would make a strong debut for a brand-new device class inside the iPhone family. Earlier coverage summarizing IDC’s outlook suggested Apple could capture more than one-fifth of foldable unit share and more than one-third of revenue value in year one, lifted by premium pricing and loyal users who upgrade on schedule. That mix would reflect Apple’s track record of entering maturing categories late and then scaling them fast with tight hardware and software integration.

Launch Timing And Price: High-End Entry With A Fall Target

Bloomberg reporting says Apple’s foldable phone is on track for the company’s September launch window, lining up with the normal iPhone season and marketing cycle. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also described a plan that pairs the foldable with the mainstream flagship models, signaling Apple wants the device to stand beside its top tier from day one. Analysts and reporters expect a high price band, roughly $2,000 to about $2,500, consistent with the first wave of premium foldables.

Supply-chain chatter has pointed to production plans that match a double-digit million unit goal. A July report said Apple raised its production target to around 10 million units, which tracks with IDC’s shipment thesis for the first full year of availability. That level suggests Apple aims to seed enough devices for global carriers and stores while it measures real-world use and tunes software for the large inner display. IDC’s call still centers on shipments, not sell-through, but it signals confidence in channel demand.

Why The Market Thinks Apple Can Lift Foldables Fast

IDC projects the foldable market will expand through 2026, creating room for a disruptive entrant that brings scale and marketing power. Foldables remain a small slice of all smartphones, yet their growth rate has stayed higher than the broader market. Apple’s entry often pulls in premium buyers who value design, battery life, and ecosystem. IDC’s prior notes predicted Apple could become the largest foldable brand within 12 months of launch, based on share capture and pricing strength.

Apple’s software approach could also help early adoption. Bloomberg has reported the device is designed to feel like an iPad when opened, which points to split-screen work, larger touch targets, and smoother app scaling on the big display. That kind of usability matters to working families, small-business owners, and creators who need one device that can double as a tablet. If Apple nails durability and everyday battery life, many power users could justify the price as a productivity tool.

What This Means For Consumers And The Industry

Carriers and retailers are likely to promote trade-in deals and monthly plans that blunt the sticker shock on a $2,000-plus phone. That is how many shoppers already buy premium phones today. If IDC’s forecast proves right, the foldable iPhone will not be a niche toy. It will be a high-end iPhone that also folds, giving buyers a larger canvas for work, reading, and media without lugging two devices. The first wave will set the tone for accessories and case makers as well.

Apple iPhone Event September 2026: iPhone Fold, iPhone 18 Pro and More https://t.co/oyEZmTZnLe

— NokiaMob (@NokiamobBlog) August 27, 2026

Competitors will feel the pressure. A big Apple launch can reset design goals, screen quality, and hinge reliability across the field. Samsung and others will push faster, tougher foldables to defend share. For now, the headline is clear and concrete: IDC says Apple’s first foldable iPhone will ship more than 10 million units in its first year, with a fall debut and premium pricing that still points to strong demand. As with any forecast, timing can shift, but the target is set.