Apple’s potential entry into the foldable smartphone market with its first foldable iPhone is anticipated to inject new life into a sector that has seen a recent downturn. After a decline of 8% in global foldable smartphone shipments during the first half of 2026, market analysts foresee a resurgence in the latter half of the year. Projections suggest shipments could hit approximately 23 million units for the full year, with further growth expected into 2027.
Industry experts predict that Apple will quickly capture a significant portion of the market once its foldable device is introduced. According to Smart Analytics Global, Apple might command about 25% of global foldable shipments by the end of 2026, potentially rising to around 41% by 2027. This anticipated market share, however, could be hindered initially by supply constraints due to the intricate nature of foldable technology and a high anticipated price point exceeding $2,000, which might restrict early demand and availability.
The research firm IDC anticipates that Apple’s involvement will transform foldables into one of the fastest-expanding segments of the smartphone industry. Their forecasts indicate that Apple could ship over 17 million foldable iPhones by 2027, securing an estimated 40% share of the global foldable market. The overall sector is expected to grow, with projections of 22.9 million units in 2026, marking a 12.6% increase, and approximately 27 million units in 2027, reflecting an 18% growth.
Apple’s entry could also alter the competitive dynamics, posing a significant challenge to existing foldable smartphone leaders like Samsung, Huawei, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Reports suggest that Apple’s inaugural foldable might boast a 5.5-inch cover display alongside a 7.8-inch foldable main display, featuring Touch ID, an A20 Pro chip built on a 2-nanometer process, and dual 48-megapixel cameras.
If Apple successfully navigates manufacturing complexities and the premium pricing hurdle, its foray could substantially invigorate the foldable smartphone category, positioning the company as a dominant force in the market in a short span.