Apple Could Capture 25% of the Foldable Phone Market in 2026, Says New Report


Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone may arrive later than its competitors, but industry analysts believe it could quickly become one of the biggest players in the segment.

A new forecast from Counterpoint Research predicts that Apple could account for 25% of global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026, making it the second-largest foldable smartphone brand in its debut year. The report also expects the overall foldable market to grow significantly as more consumers consider premium folding devices.

Foldable Smartphone Market Expected to Grow 21% in 2026

According to Counterpoint Research, worldwide foldable smartphone shipments are projected to increase by 21% year over year in 2026.

Samsung is expected to remain the market leader, although its market share could decline from 40% in 2025 to approximately 32% next year. Apple is forecast to secure second place with a 25% market share, narrowly ahead of Huawei, which is expected to hold 24%.

Motorola and HONOR are also expected to remain in the foldable market, though analysts predict their shares will shrink as competition intensifies.

The arrival of Apple's first foldable device is expected to bring renewed attention to the category and encourage more consumers to consider foldable smartphones for everyday use.

AI Could Make Foldable Phones More Practical

Foldable phones are increasingly being positioned as productivity devices rather than just premium smartphones.

Industry analysts believe larger folding displays provide more room for multitasking, document editing, scheduling, and AI-powered workflows. As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply integrated into mobile operating systems, the additional screen space offered by book-style foldables could become a meaningful advantage.

Tasks like summarizing documents, organizing notes, comparing information across apps, and managing multiple windows become easier on a larger flexible display.

Transferring Your Data to a Foldable Phone Should Be Simple

Buying a new foldable phone often means moving years of photos, contacts, videos, documents, and apps to a new device. That's where a reliable transfer app can make the upgrade process much smoother.

Smart Transfer is designed to help users move important files between supported devices with easy file sharing tools. Whether you're switching to a foldable phone or replacing an older device, its fast share capabilities help reduce the time spent setting up your new smartphone so you can start using it sooner.

Samsung's New Foldable Strategy Reflects Industry Trends

The report arrives shortly after Samsung introduced its latest foldable lineup, including the redesigned Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Unlike previous generations, Samsung's newest foldable adopts a shorter and wider design that many believe is more comfortable for everyday use. Interestingly, the overall shape closely resembles rumors surrounding Apple's first foldable iPhone.

Despite the similarities, Samsung executives have stated that the design was developed independently and is not intended to mirror Apple's upcoming device.

Apple's Foldable iPhone Could Reshape the Premium Market

Although Apple has yet to officially announce its foldable iPhone, consistent reports suggest the company is preparing to enter the category with a premium book-style design.

If analyst predictions prove accurate, Apple's arrival could significantly reshape the foldable market by attracting users who have been waiting for an iPhone-based folding device rather than switching to Android alternatives.

Combined with Apple's software ecosystem and growing focus on AI features, the company's first foldable could become one of the most anticipated smartphone launches of 2026.

Final Thoughts

Foldable smartphones are gradually moving from niche products to mainstream premium devices, and 2026 could mark a major turning point for the category.

With analysts forecasting strong market growth and Apple expected to capture a sizable share in its first year, competition among manufacturers is likely to become even stronger. Consumers, in turn, could benefit from better hardware, improved software experiences, and more practical foldable designs across the industry.

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