Apple appears ready to expand its Total Addressable Market by adding a foldable model to the iPhone family, a brand-new form factor that could unlock fresh demand and a high-end upgrade cycle. While some reports now point to a potential 2027 launch window for the foldable iPhone, the mere prospect of this device is already showing up in analyst forecasts for shipments and revenue through the second half of the decade.
A recent analysis that draws on Visible Alpha’s iPhone shipment estimates highlights how the foldable could nudge volumes higher after a period of relative stability. It also suggests the iPhone 17 lineup has kick-started Apple’s strongest growth stretch since the pandemic, setting the stage for the next wave of devices.
iPhone outlook by the numbers
– Revenue momentum: iPhone sales are expected to rise about 4% year over year in Apple’s FY 2025 to roughly $209.3 billion, with FY 2026 projected around $218.9 billion.
– Units steady near term: Shipments are seen holding near 2024 levels at approximately 235 million units in FY 2025 and FY 2026.
– Foldable-driven uptick: Forecasts point to about 240 million iPhones shipped in FY 2027, with the foldable model seen as a catalyst.
– Long-term ramp: iPhone shipments could approach 260 million units by the end of the decade.
A quick timing note: Apple’s fiscal year ends in September. The company is expected to report results for its final fiscal quarter of 2025 later in October, which will lock in the current year’s iPhone numbers.
When will Apple’s foldable iPhone launch?
The launch timeline remains fluid. Engineering complexities around foldable OLED displays and hinge durability have reportedly raised the bar for Apple’s quality thresholds and may be pushing the schedule. Some analysts now believe panel production plans have been dialed back from an earlier target of around 13 million units to closer to 9 million, reinforcing the idea that Apple could prioritize reliability over speed to market.
Based on the evolving product cadence, here’s the current read on timing:
– Fall 2026: iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
– Early 2027: iPhone 18e and the first foldable iPhone.
Why the foldable matters
A foldable iPhone would give Apple a new flagship tier and broaden its reach into a category that blends portability with larger-screen productivity. For existing users, it could be a compelling reason to upgrade; for switchers, it offers a distinctive alternative within the iOS ecosystem. That’s why even rumors of a foldable have begun to move shipment models upward for 2027 and beyond.
Bottom line
All signs point to Apple treating the foldable iPhone as a carefully staged product, one that could meaningfully expand its market while preserving the company’s standards for design and durability. Expect steady iPhone revenue growth in the near term, flatish unit volumes through FY 2026, and a potential lift starting in FY 2027 as the foldable enters the lineup. As always, keep an eye on October’s earnings for updated guidance and clues about Apple’s 2026–2027 roadmap.
