Three out of four U.S. adults say they have no interest in buying a foldable iPhone, according to a new survey from CNET.
CNET's survey was conducted online by YouGov between August 13 and 17, polling 2,605 U.S. adults. It found that 75% are not interested in an Apple foldable device, and those who are would not pay anywhere near the rumored $2,000+ price.
Interest is low across every generation surveyed. Boomers (1946–1964) and Gen Xers (1965–1980) are the least interested, at 83% and 77% respectively, while 69% of Gen Z (1997–2012) and 68% of millennials (1981–1996) also said they would pass on a foldable iPhone. CNET noted that a quarter of respondents still expressing interest in the device is a notable proportion for what remains a niche product category.
On average, U.S. adults said they would spend just $781 on a foldable iPhone, about $48 less than the $799 starting price of the standard iPhone 17. Gen Z was willing to spend the most, an average of $919, followed by millennials at $859, Gen X at $690, and Boomers at $572. That mismatch between expected pricing and what buyers actually want to pay highlights just how far a $2,000+ device will sit outside most people's budgets.
Moreover, CNET found that 41% of U.S. adults are rethinking their upgrade plans because of anticipated price increases. Apple raised prices on most of its devices in June, citing the global memory shortage, though iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods prices were untouched at the time. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to cost more than its predecessor when it launches for the same reasons.
5% of respondents said they are considering buying an older or cheaper model, 4% are considering switching brands, and 4% are looking at refurbished or used phones. Another 9% said they will only upgrade if a trade-in or carrier promotion covers the cost. 22% of U.S. adults said they have no plans to upgrade anytime soon regardless of what Apple releases, ranging from 16% of millennials to 27% of Boomers.
