Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone in 2026, and its mass production appears to have already begun. A report now estimates that the brand could capture a significant chunk of the foldable market share with its first iteration.
According to the latest market forecast report shared by IDC, the launch of the iPhone Fold will be a game changer for Apple as well as the foldable category. The brand is expected to seize a solid 22% of the foldables market and with that over 34% of the market revenue in the very first year.
IDC further adds that the forecast for subsequent market share after the foldable iPhone is released will increase to 30% in the following year and all the way to 34% by 2029.
This could adversely affect the market share of existing Android foldables as they're expected to dip from 89% in 2025 to 61% when Apple launches the iPhone Fold in 2026.
The report also suggests worldwide shipments for foldable phones are expected to grow by 10% YoY in 2025 and the trend will hit its peak in 2026 with an estimated market growth of 29.7%. This, IDC believes, will be aided by Apple's first foldable as well as the recently-announced Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold.
The launch of Apple’s first foldable iPhone will mark a turning point for the foldable segment. This move is likely to boost category awareness and drive consumer interest. Apple tends to be a catalyst for mainstream adoption of new categories. Although foldables will continue to be a niche segment from a volume perspective, it will become a relevant value driver for most vendors offering foldables, as average selling prices will be 3 times higher than a standard smartphone.
— IDC, Client Devices VP, Francisco Jeronimo
While 22% is a pretty high estimate, there's a lot on Samsung's shoulders as it will kickstart the next year with the release of the Galaxy Z Trifold. As for Apple's foldable, the iPhone Fold is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 lineup during 2026 fall. The foldable iPhone's crease-free display is expected to be an industry-first and preparations for the iPhone Fold display production have already begun.
