Apple is expected to make a major entry into the foldable smartphone market by 2026, according to industry reports. Display analyst Ross Young has suggested that the tech giant's first foldable iPhone could reinvigorate a sector that has seen a slowdown in recent years. The foldable market, once characterized by rapid growth, has recently stagnated, with declining shipments and tepid demand for flagship devices from competitors like Samsung and Huawei.
Young, a respected figure in the display technology industry and founder of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), anticipates that Apple's entry could electrify the market. Young said Apple's "dominant position in flagship smartphones could potentially lead to significant growth for the foldable market in 2026." His analysis forecasts more than 30% growth in the foldable sector that year, marking a sharp contrast to the 4% decline expected in 2025.
Global shipments of foldable displays fell 38% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2024, signaling the first decline since the category's inception. Despite high-profile launches like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, consumer interest has waned. Experts believe Apple's reputation for innovation could breathe new life into the sector, especially if the rumored foldable iPhone introduces advancements in durability, functionality, or form factor.
The anticipated foldable iPhone could feature a clamshell design akin to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip series. Reports suggest the device will have a display size between 7.9 and 8.3 inches when unfolded, offering users a compact, pocket-friendly device that expands to deliver a full-sized screen. Such a design could attract consumers who value both portability and a premium viewing experience.
According to Young, the foldable phone market has remained concentrated in regions like Korea and Europe, while struggling to gain traction in the U.S. and China. Apple's stronghold in the U.S. market could play a pivotal role in changing this dynamic. "Any improvement in form factor, functionality, use cases, durability, etc., could drive new demand for this market," he noted.
The foldable market's struggles can also be attributed to the high price point of these devices, which remains a barrier for many consumers. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, for example, is expected to sell 10% fewer units than its predecessor, according to DSCC. A foldable iPhone priced competitively could disrupt this trend and set new benchmarks for affordability and value in the category.
Apple's entry into the foldable segment has been a topic of speculation for years, with some analysts predicting the company's first foldable device would debut as early as 2024. However, the timeline appears to have shifted to 2026, aligning with Apple's methodical approach to product innovation. By waiting, Apple may be positioning itself to capitalize on lessons learned from competitors and deliver a more polished and reliable foldable device.
The decline in the foldable sector has also been exacerbated by smaller brands exiting the market, leaving Samsung and Huawei as dominant players. This has limited consumer options and potentially stifled innovation. Analysts believe Apple's participation could introduce healthy competition, forcing other manufacturers to up their game and reinvigorate the market as a whole.
