IDC: iPhone Fold to Take 34% of Market Value by 2026

TL;DR: Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first device, expected to launch in 2026, and analysts believe it will have a major impact on the industry.

Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first device, expected to launch in 2026, and analysts believe it will have a major impact on the industry.
IDC forecasts worldwide foldable shipments to grow by 30 percent year‑on‑year in 2026, with Apple’s debut foldable iPhone driving much of that growth.
The iPhone Fold is projected to capture more than 22 percent of global foldable unit share and 34 percent of the market’s total value in its first year, largely due to its rumored premium price o…
Rumors suggest the iPhone Fold will feature a 5.8‑inch cover display, a 7.58‑inch inner flexible screen, and a battery larger than the one found in the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Apple has historically acted as a catalyst for mainstream adoption of new product categories, and its move into foldables could accelerate consumer upgrades, reshape competition, and establish fold…

Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first device, expected to launch in 2026, and analysts believe it will have a major impact on the industry. IDC forecasts worldwide foldable shipments to grow by 30 percent year‑on‑year in 2026, with Apple’s debut foldable iPhone driving much of that growth.

The iPhone Fold is projected to capture more than 22 percent of global foldable unit share and 34 percent of the market’s total value in its first year, largely due to its rumored premium price of around $2,400. This positions Apple’s foldable as a luxury device, but also signals confidence in strong demand from its loyal customer base.

Rumors suggest the iPhone Fold will feature a 5.8‑inch cover display, a 7.58‑inch inner flexible screen, and a battery larger than the one found in the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Samsung is expected to introduce its Galaxy Z TriFold in early 2026, while Huawei’s HarmonyOS Next foldables are also projected to nearly double shipments. Together, these launches are expected to fuel consumer interest and push foldables further into the mainstream.

IDC notes that foldables will continue to outperform the wider smartphone market, which has slowed in growth in recent years. The category is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17 percent through 2029, compared to less than 1 percent for traditional smartphones. By 2029, foldables are forecast to represent more than 10 percent of the total smartphone market value.

Industry experts believe Apple’s entry will be a turning point for the category. Apple has historically acted as a catalyst for mainstream adoption of new product categories, and its move into foldables could accelerate consumer upgrades, reshape competition, and establish foldables as a key segment in the smartphone market.

What market share is the iPhone Fold expected to achieve in its first year?

The iPhone Fold is projected to capture more than 22 percent of global foldable unit share and 34 percent of the market’s total value in its first year.

When is Apple planning to launch its first foldable smartphone?

Apple is expected to launch its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Fold, in 2026.

How does the growth rate of foldable phones compare to traditional smartphones through 2029?

Foldables are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17 percent through 2029, while traditional smartphones grow at less than 1 percent.

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