Apple is poised to make waves in the foldable smartphone sector with the anticipated launch of its first foldable iPhone. This strategic move is expected to breathe new life into a segment that has recently experienced a slowdown. Despite a global downturn in foldable smartphone shipments, which saw an 8% decline year-on-year in the first half of 2026, market analysts are optimistic about a rebound. They forecast shipments to reach approximately 23 million units for the year, with further growth projected into 2027.
Industry experts anticipate that Apple will quickly capture a significant portion of the foldable market following the debut of its device. According to Smart Analytics Global, Apple could command around 25% of global foldable shipments by the close of 2026, potentially increasing to approximately 41% the following year. Nonetheless, initial challenges such as supply constraints due to the intricate nature of foldable manufacturing and a hefty price tag exceeding $2,000 may affect early sales and availability. Apple may initially release the device in selected markets before rolling it out on a global scale.
With Apple’s entry into the foldable arena, research firm IDC predicts a transformation in the smartphone industry, positioning foldables as a rapidly expanding segment. By 2027, Apple is expected to ship over 17 million foldable iPhones, securing close to 40% of the global market share. IDC’s projections for the overall foldable smartphone market suggest growth to 22.9 million units in 2026, a 12.6% increase, followed by an 18% rise to about 27 million units in 2027.
The introduction of Apple’s foldable could disrupt the existing competitive landscape, challenging current leaders like Samsung, Huawei, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Reports indicate that this groundbreaking device may feature a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.8-inch foldable main display, enhanced by Touch ID, an advanced A20 Pro chip utilizing a 2-nanometer process, and dual 48-megapixel cameras. If Apple successfully navigates manufacturing hurdles and addresses the high pricing issue, its entry could significantly invigorate the foldable smartphone market and establish it as a dominant force in this burgeoning field.