Apple’s long-awaited entry into the foldable smartphone category is generating massive industry buzz, and a new report now sheds light on the scale of its expected impact.
The device, widely referred to as the iPhone Fold, is rumored to debut next year, marking Apple’s first step into the rapidly growing foldable market.
According to fresh data from market research firm IDC, the iPhone Fold could capture more than 22% of the global foldable smartphone market by 2026, despite entering the segment years after competitors. This significant share highlights the strong consumer anticipation surrounding Apple’s foldable device.
IDC further predicts that due to its rumored $2,400 price tag, the iPhone Fold will account for a massive 34% of the total foldable market value in 2026. This value share emphasizes Apple’s potential to dominate the premium foldable category much like it does in the high-end traditional smartphone segment.
The introduction of Apple’s foldable is also expected to stimulate overall category growth. IDC forecasts that the arrival of the iPhone Fold—alongside upcoming releases like the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold and new foldables from Huawei—will push global foldable smartphone shipments up by nearly 30% in 2026.
Foldable smartphones are projected to continue outperforming the broader smartphone industry over the next few years. IDC estimates that by 2029, foldables will represent more than 10% of the total global smartphone market value, highlighting their fast-rising adoption curve.
Rumored specifications for the iPhone Fold include a 5.8-inch exterior cover display and a 7.58-inch inner foldable screen, offering a compact yet immersive user experience. The device is also expected to feature a battery larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, potentially delivering improved endurance to match its power-hungry displays.
With high expectations and strong market predictions, Apple’s first foldable could become one of the most influential smartphone releases of the decade, reshaping the competitive landscape and accelerating global foldable adoption.