Amidst a recent slowdown in the foldable smartphone market, Apple is reportedly preparing to make a significant entrance with its first foldable iPhone. Industry experts believe this move could inject fresh energy into a segment that has seen a decline in momentum. Global shipments of foldable smartphones fell by 8% year-on-year during the first half of 2026. However, research firms anticipate a rebound in the latter half, forecasting total shipments for the year to hover around 23 million units and predicting continued growth into 2027.
Apple’s anticipated entry into the foldable market is expected to quickly secure it a substantial share. According to projections from Smart Analytics Global, Apple might capture 25% of the global foldable smartphone shipments by the close of 2026, with this figure potentially rising to 41% in 2027. This optimistic outlook is tempered by challenges the company might face, such as initial supply constraints due to the complexities in manufacturing foldable devices. Furthermore, with the expected retail price exceeding $2,000, demand and availability may initially be limited, urging Apple to consider a phased launch in select markets before a full-scale global rollout.
Research firm IDC anticipates that Apple’s involvement will transform foldables into one of the fastest-growing segments within the smartphone industry. Their forecasts suggest Apple could ship over 17 million foldable iPhones by 2027, thus securing about 40% of the global market share in this category. Overall, IDC projects the foldable smartphone market to expand to 22.9 million units in 2026, marking a 12.6% increase, and to approximately 27 million units in 2027, signifying an 18% growth.
Apple’s launch could potentially alter the competitive dynamics within the foldable market, posing a challenge to established brands such as Samsung, Huawei, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Reports indicate that Apple’s debut foldable device may include a 5.5-inch cover display alongside a 7.8-inch foldable main screen. It could also feature cutting-edge technology such as Touch ID, an A20 Pro chip built on a 2-nanometer process, and dual 48-megapixel cameras.
Should Apple navigate the manufacturing complexities and address the high price point effectively, its entry could significantly invigorate the foldable smartphone sector. This move promises to not only boost the category’s profile but also establish Apple as a dominant player in the market in a relatively short period.
