Apple’s anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market with its first foldable iPhone could mark a significant turning point in a segment that has recently faced a slowdown. Despite a year-on-year decline of 8% in global foldable smartphone shipments during the first half of 2026, market analysts are optimistic about a robust recovery in the latter half of the year. Total shipments for 2026 are expected to reach approximately 23 million units, with continued growth projected into 2027.
Analysts predict that Apple’s launch will swiftly capture a substantial portion of the foldable market. According to Smart Analytics Global, Apple could achieve a 25% share of global foldable shipments by the close of 2026, a figure that might rise to about 41% in 2027. This anticipated success underscores the potential impact of Apple’s entry, even as it navigates initial supply constraints due to the complex manufacturing processes involved in creating foldable devices.
The anticipated price point of over $2,000 for Apple’s foldable iPhone may limit its early demand and availability, potentially leading Apple to introduce the product selectively in certain markets before a wider global rollout. Nonetheless, research firm IDC suggests that Apple’s presence will transform foldables into one of the smartphone industry’s fastest-growing segments. IDC forecasts that the company could ship over 17 million foldable iPhones by 2027, capturing roughly 40% of the global foldable market share.
Projections from IDC also indicate that the overall foldable smartphone market is set to grow, with shipments expected to reach 22.9 million units in 2026, marking a 12.6% increase, and approximately 27 million units in 2027, reflecting an 18% growth. Apple’s entrance could reshape the competitive dynamics, posing a challenge to established players like Samsung, Huawei, Vivo, and Xiaomi.
Details about Apple’s inaugural foldable device suggest it may feature a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.8-inch foldable main display, equipped with Touch ID, an A20 Pro chip built on a 2-nanometer process, and dual 48-megapixel cameras. If Apple successfully navigates manufacturing hurdles and its high price point, its entrance could significantly boost the foldable smartphone category and swiftly establish the company as a dominant force.