Apple’s Next iPhone Might Disappoint — But This $2,500 Surprise Has Wall Street Hooked
The iPhone 17 may fall short, but Apple’s foldable future could redefine the smartphone game
Apple Inc. (AAPL), listed on NASDAQ, saw a mixed reaction from analysts today: caution surrounding the upcoming iPhone 17 has sharpened, even as excitement around a foldable model in 2026 gains momentum.
After a quiet launch cycle, JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee downgraded Apple’s 12‑month price target from $240 to $230, retaining an “Overweight” stance due to concerns that the iPhone 17 will be a modest, incremental update. He also noted that production volumes are now expected to drop roughly 9%, from 93 million units last year to approximately 85 million this year—partly because consumers rushed to upgrade early amid tariff fears. UBS weighed in as well, pointing out that Siri’s AI enhancements have been delayed and won’t offer meaningful improvements for the iPhone 17—though the foldable variant and AI boost expected in 2026 are keeping investors optimistic.
Meanwhile, rumors about Apple’s foldable future are intensifying. Reports suggest Apple is aiming for a 2026 debut of a foldable iPhone—or “iPhone 18” generation—priced between $2,000 and $2,500. Possible screen configurations include a 7.9‑inch inner panel and 5‑inch outer display, with hinge refinement and crease minimization at the top of Apple’s design priorities.
This dichotomy—short‑term softness in the iPhone 17 contrasted with long‑term promise in foldable and AI innovation—is fueling a “wait‑and‑see” narrative on Wall Street. AAPL is currently trading around $201 in the Technology Hardware sector, reflecting investor caution mixed with lasting confidence in Apple’s long‑term trajectory.