Apple is gearing up to make a significant splash in the foldable smartphone market with its inaugural foldable iPhone. Analysts are optimistic that this move could revitalize a sector that has recently experienced a downturn. Despite an 8% year-on-year decline in global foldable smartphone shipments in the first half of 2026, market research firms anticipate a robust recovery in the latter half. Projections for the entire year estimate shipments to reach approximately 23 million units, with continued growth expected into 2027.
Experts predict that Apple will quickly capture a substantial portion of the market following the launch of its foldable device. Smart Analytics Global forecasts that by the close of 2026, Apple could secure 25% of global foldable shipments, potentially increasing to about 41% in 2027. Nonetheless, the initial rollout may face supply challenges due to the complexities of manufacturing foldables. With a prospective price tag exceeding $2,000, the device’s demand might initially be limited, prompting Apple to potentially debut it in select markets before a broader global release.
Research firm IDC anticipates Apple’s entry to transform foldables into one of the smartphone industry’s fastest-growing segments. The firm projects that Apple could ship over 17 million foldable iPhones by 2027, capturing roughly 40% of the global foldable market share. The overall foldable smartphone market is expected to grow to 22.9 million units in 2026, marking a 12.6% increase, and reaching approximately 27 million units in 2027, an 18% growth surge.
The introduction of Apple’s foldable iPhone is poised to reshape the competitive dynamics, posing a challenge to established players like Samsung, Huawei, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Reports suggest that Apple’s debut foldable model might feature a 5.5-inch cover display along with a 7.8-inch main display. Additional specifications could include Touch ID, an A20 Pro chip leveraging a 2-nanometer process, and dual 48-megapixel cameras.
If Apple can navigate the manufacturing hurdles and the high initial pricing, its entry into the foldable space could significantly invigorate the category. This move may swiftly position Apple as a dominant force in the foldable smartphone arena, potentially accelerating the market’s growth trajectory.