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Apple Could Leap to No. 2 in Foldable Phones
Foldable phones are smartphones that can open into a larger screen.
Samsung has been the biggest company in this market so far.
Apple is expected to release its first foldable iPhone and could quickly become the second-biggest seller.
Counterpoint Research estimates Apple could ship up to 6 million units in 2026.
The market may grow quickly as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and other companies release new designs.
However, foldable phones are still much more expensive than regular smartphones.
They also make up only about 2% of all smartphone shipments.
Analysts say their future will depend on whether they offer a useful experience that attracts more than early adopters.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone could ship up to 6 million units in 2026 and capture 25% of the global foldable market.
Counterpoint Research projects Samsung leading with 38% share, followed by Apple at 25% and Huawei at 22%.
Global cumulative foldable shipments are expected to pass 100 million units by the end of 2026.
Foldable shipments could grow 37% in 2027 as Apple has a full year of sales and rivals introduce new models.
Foldables remain about 2% of the smartphone market, with prices roughly three times higher than standard phones.
- Who
- Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Counterpoint Research, and other smartphone manufacturers.
- What
- Apple’s expected entry into foldable phones could make it the category’s second-largest seller in 2026.
- Where
- The global foldable smartphone market.
- When
- Apple is expected to enter the category in 2026, with faster market growth projected in 2027.
- Why
- Apple could gain substantial share despite limited initial supply, while broader growth depends on new designs and whether foldables offer a sufficiently distinct user experience.
Growth Expectations
Market Constraints
Apple’s market entry
Growth Expectations
Counterpoint Research expects Apple to reach No. 2 in 2026 with up to 25% of global foldable shipments, despite entering the category for the first time.
Market Constraints
Apple’s initial availability is expected to be limited by production constraints and a short selling window.
Long-term category expansion
Growth Expectations
The market could accelerate as Apple has a full year of sales and companies including Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Motorola, Honor, Google, vivo, and OPPO develop new models and form factors.
Market Constraints
Foldables remain a premium niche, with prices about three times higher than standard phones and only about 2% of global smartphone shipments.
What will drive adoption
Growth Expectations
Analysts see room for the category to expand beyond current volumes as more manufacturers introduce designs such as wider book-type foldables.
Market Constraints
Further growth may depend on whether foldables deliver a distinct enough user experience to attract buyers beyond early adopters, rather than on price alone.
Key facts
- Apple’s projected 2026 shipments
- Up to 6 million foldable iPhones
- Projected 2026 market share
- Samsung 38%; Apple 25%; Huawei 22%; other manufacturers 15%
- Market milestone
- Cumulative global foldable shipments are expected to exceed 100 million by the end of 2026
- Projected 2027 growth
- Shipments are expected to rise 37% year over year
- Foldable market size
- Approximately 2% of global smartphone shipments
- Price gap
- Foldable phones cost about three times as much as standard slab phones
- Initial supply outlook
- Apple’s launch is expected to be short, supply-constrained, and gradually rolled out
Quotes
Tarun Pathak
Counterpoint Research Director discussing the growth potential of the foldable-phone market
“There is room for the category to grow well beyond current volumes.”
CNBC TV 18
Sources
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