Apple is poised to make a significant impact in the foldable smartphone arena with the anticipated release of its first foldable iPhone. This development is expected to invigorate a sector that has seen a dip in momentum recently. Despite an 8% drop in global foldable smartphone shipments during the first half of 2026, industry analysts predict a robust rebound in the latter half of the year. Projections for the entire year suggest shipments could reach approximately 23 million units, with continued growth into 2027.
Analysts envision Apple quickly capturing a substantial share of the foldable market following its debut. According to Smart Analytics Global, the tech giant might secure 25% of global foldable shipments by the end of 2026, potentially increasing to around 41% in 2027. However, the initial launch of Apple’s foldable device may face production challenges due to the intricacies of manufacturing such advanced technology. Furthermore, with a price tag exceeding $2,000, the device could initially see limited demand and distribution, likely debuting in select markets before a broader global rollout.
Market research firm IDC anticipates that Apple’s foray into foldables could make this segment one of the fastest-growing in the smartphone industry. Their forecasts suggest that Apple might ship more than 17 million foldable iPhones by 2027, which would account for about 40% of the global market. IDC also predicts that the overall foldable smartphone market will grow to 22.9 million units in 2026, marking a 12.6% increase, and continue to expand by approximately 18% to nearly 27 million units in 2027.
The introduction of Apple’s foldable device could significantly alter the competitive dynamics, posing a challenge to current leaders in the foldable sector such as Samsung, Huawei, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Reports indicate that Apple’s initial foldable offering might include a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.8-inch foldable main display, featuring Touch ID, an A20 Pro chip developed on a 2-nanometer process, and dual 48-megapixel cameras.
If Apple can successfully navigate the hurdles of production complexity and its high price point, its entry into the foldable market could provide a substantial boost to the category. This move would not only solidify Apple’s position as a key player but also potentially lead to significant advancements and growth within the foldable smartphone industry.