Apple is poised to make a significant impact on the foldable smartphone market with the anticipated launch of its first foldable iPhone. This strategic move is expected to invigorate a sector that has recently experienced a slowdown. Although global shipments of foldable smartphones saw an 8% decline in the first half of 2026, market analysts foresee a robust rebound in the latter half of the year. Full-year shipments are projected to hit around 23 million units, with continued growth into 2027.
The introduction of Apple’s foldable device is anticipated to swiftly capture a substantial market share. According to Smart Analytics Global, Apple could secure 25% of global foldable shipments by the end of 2026, potentially increasing to about 41% in 2027. Despite this optimistic outlook, the new foldable iPhone might encounter initial supply challenges due to the complexities involved in its manufacturing process. Its price tag, expected to exceed $2,000, could also restrict initial demand, prompting Apple to possibly roll out the device selectively before broadening its availability worldwide.
Industry experts, including those from IDC, believe Apple’s entry will transform foldables into one of the smartphone industry’s most rapidly expanding segments. IDC predicts that Apple could ship over 17 million foldable iPhones by 2027, capturing approximately 40% of the global market share. The overall foldable smartphone market is expected to grow to 22.9 million units in 2026, marking a 12.6% increase, followed by an estimated 27 million units in 2027, reflecting an 18% growth.
The launch of Apple’s foldable iPhone could also alter the competitive dynamics within the industry, presenting a challenge to established players like Samsung, Huawei, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Reports suggest that Apple’s first foldable model might include a 5.5-inch cover display, a 7.8-inch foldable main screen, Touch ID, an A20 Pro chip based on a 2-nanometer process, and dual 48-megapixel cameras.
If Apple successfully navigates the manufacturing hurdles and addresses the high price point, its entry into the foldable market could serve as a catalyst for the category’s growth. This move could quickly position Apple as a dominant force in the foldable smartphone arena, boosting the market significantly in the process.