Foldable Smartphone Shipments May Jump 30% In 2026 As Apple Prepares Entry

The global foldable smartphone market is expected to record a strong jump in shipments in 2026, with year-on-year growth pegged at around 30%, according to IDC’s latest industry forecast. The growth is expected to come as more brands expand their foldable portfolios and Apple prepares to make its long-rumoured entry into the segment. Also Read: iPhone 18 Leaks Hint At Under-Display Face ID, Smaller Dynamic Island

Foldable phones still make up a very small share of the overall smartphone market, but IDC expects the segment to grow steadily over the next few years. The research firm says foldables could cross the 10% mark by 2029, which would be a noticeable jump from where they are today. Also Read: iPhone-Android Switching Gets Easier As Apple and Google Team Up: Here's How

IDC predicts foldable phone shipments may rise in 2026. (Image: IDC)

Apple’s Entry Could Change Market Dynamics

Apple is expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone sometime in late 2026. While the company is entering the space later than rivals, analysts suggest timing may not hurt Apple significantly. Early projections indicate Apple’s iPhone Fold could capture more than one-fifth of global foldable shipments in its first year and command a much larger share of the segment’s revenue. Also Read: Apple Sends New Security Alert To iPhone Users: Are You At Risk?

Reports suggest the device may carry a very high price tag, aimed at users who already buy top-end iPhones and are willing to pay extra for a new form factor and a larger, flexible display.

Samsung and Huawei Continue to Lead

For now, Samsung and Huawei continue to lead the foldable category until Apple steps in. Samsung is preparing to push the category further in 2026 with its new Galaxy Z TriFold, which is aimed at making foldables more appealing to regular buyers. Huawei, meanwhile, is expected to expand foldable shipments in China and selected overseas markets helped by HarmonyOS Next.

IDC estimates foldable phone shipments will reach about 20 million units in 2025, up from 2024, before accelerating further in 2026. Analysts say the staggered launches – with Samsung early in the year and Apple later – could help keep consumer interest steady throughout the year.

North America, China, Western Europe, South Korea, and parts of the Middle East are expected to remain key markets for premium foldable devices as overall smartphone growth continues to slow.