Apple’s Entry into Foldable Phones Poised to Transform the Market in 2026
The foldable smartphone market is on the brink of a significant transformation, with projections indicating a 30% year-over-year growth in 2026. This surge is largely attributed to Apple’s anticipated entry into the foldable device arena, introducing its first foldable iPhone.
Current Market Landscape
As of 2025, the foldable smartphone segment has experienced steady growth. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), global shipments of foldable phones are expected to reach 20.6 million units by the end of 2025, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. This growth is primarily driven by innovations from leading manufacturers like Samsung and Huawei.
Samsung’s Innovations
Samsung continues to lead the foldable market with its Galaxy Z series. The upcoming Galaxy Z TriFold, set to launch in South Korea on December 12, 2025, features a unique tri-folding design that unfolds into a 10-inch display. Equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a 200MP main camera, the device is priced around $2,500, reflecting its advanced technology and limited production.
Apple’s Anticipated Entry
Apple’s foray into the foldable market is expected to be a game-changer. Reports suggest that the company will introduce its first foldable iPhone in late 2026, potentially alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Despite a projected average price point of $2,400, IDC forecasts that Apple will capture 22% of the foldable market’s unit share and an impressive 34% of its total market value in its first year.
Market Projections
The introduction of Apple’s foldable iPhone is anticipated to catalyze the market, with IDC projecting foldable phone shipments to reach 41.5 million units in 2026. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38.7% from 2022 to 2026. By 2029, foldables are expected to constitute over 10% of the total smartphone market value.
Regional Dynamics
Premium devices, including foldables, are gaining traction in regions such as North America, China, and Western Europe. Markets like South Korea and parts of the Middle East also show strong demand for high-end smartphones, indicating a global appetite for innovative form factors.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the optimistic outlook, challenges remain. The high price points of foldable devices may limit their accessibility to a broader audience. Additionally, technological hurdles such as screen durability and hinge design continue to be areas of focus for manufacturers.
Conclusion
The foldable smartphone market is poised for substantial growth, with Apple’s entry serving as a significant catalyst. As technology advances and consumer interest in versatile devices increases, foldables are set to become a prominent segment in the smartphone industry.
