Apple’s upcoming iPhone Fold is expected to mark the company’s long-anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market, and analysts believe it could quickly become a major success. A new report from market research firm TrendForce suggests that Apple’s first foldable device may capture 19.3% of the global foldable smartphone market by 2026, placing the company among the top three brands in the segment.
According to the report, this projected share would position Apple behind Huawei and Samsung, which currently dominate the foldable smartphone category. Despite being a late entrant, Apple is expected to benefit from strong brand loyalty and a large base of iPhone users who have been waiting for a foldable device within Apple’s ecosystem.
Industry analysts believe that many Apple users have delayed switching to existing foldable devices from other brands, preferring to wait for Apple’s own version. This pent-up demand, combined with Apple’s reputation for hardware refinement and software integration, could help the company quickly gain significant traction in the foldable market.
One of Apple’s key goals for the iPhone Fold is to minimize the visible crease commonly seen on folding displays. The TrendForce report highlights that Apple is focusing heavily on advanced material technology to solve this issue.
Previous leaks have suggested that Apple plans to incorporate 3D-printed components and liquid metal materials into the hinge mechanism of the device. In addition, the foldable display is expected to use dual layers of ultra-thin glass (UTG) to improve durability and flexibility.
Another important element in the display structure is Optically Clear Adhesive (OCA). While OCA is already used in foldable displays by other manufacturers, Apple is reportedly working on an optimized version designed to better distribute stress across the screen.
This specialized adhesive sits between different display layers and helps absorb mechanical stress when the device is folded. By distributing pressure evenly, it reduces the risk of visible creases and maintains alignment between screen layers.
The improved OCA formulation is also designed to remain completely transparent, preventing light distortion and ensuring consistent display clarity.
If these innovations perform as expected, the iPhone Fold could deliver one of the most refined foldable displays on the market, potentially helping Apple become a major competitor in the rapidly growing foldable smartphone industry.