Apple's First Foldable iPhone to Trigger 30% Market Surge in 2026 [IDC]

Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to spark a major jump in the foldable smartphone market, with global shipments forecast to grow 30% year over year in 2026. The projection comes from new data released by the International Data Corporation (IDC), which says Apple's entry will reshape the high end of the category as soon as it arrives.



IDC believes the long-rumored device will have an outsized impact despite launching late in the year. Analysts expect Apple to take more than 22% of the foldable unit share in its first twelve months and roughly 34% of the market's value. The revenue share is tied to an anticipated average selling price of around $2,400, a figure consistent with earlier reports describing a "super thin" design achievement positioned well above today's flagship phones.


The market will see plenty of activity before Apple arrives. Samsung is set to start 2026 with the Galaxy Z TriFold, introducing a tri-fold format to mainstream buyers, while Huawei is expected to nearly double its foldable shipments next year. Still, IDC says Apple remains the "turning point" for the category and will likely boost wider consumer awareness and demand. Francisco Jeronimo, vice president of client devices at IDC, noted that while foldables will remain niche by volume, they will become a meaningful value driver for vendors as average prices trend far higher than standard smartphones.

Apple's supply chain has been laying the groundwork. Recent reports say Apple has built a crease-free display and is testing a 5,800mAh battery to tackle the usual durability and battery-life issues. The foldable is expected to debut alongside a broader 2026 hardware roadmap that includes updates across multiple product lines.

IDC forecasts the foldable category will grow at a 17% compound annual rate through 2029, compared to under 1% growth for traditional smartphones. If the trend continues, foldables could represent more than 10% of the total smartphone market value by the end of the decade.