Apple is rumored to launch its first foldable smartphone, widely referred to as the iPhone Fold, in 2026. A new report from market research firm IDC sheds light on the potential impact the device will have on the global foldable smartphone market.
According to IDC, the iPhone Fold is expected to capture more than 22% of global foldable smartphone shipments by 2026. The device is also predicted to account for 34% of the foldable market’s total value, largely driven by its rumored $2,400 price tag.
The growth of the foldable market is anticipated to accelerate with the introduction of the iPhone Fold, alongside other new models such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold and updates from Huawei. IDC forecasts that the foldable smartphone market will grow by 30% in 2026 alone.
Foldable smartphones are expected to continue outperforming the broader smartphone market throughout the decade. By 2029, IDC estimates that foldables will represent over 10% of the total smartphone market value.
The iPhone Fold is reported to feature a 5.8-inch outer display, a 7.58-inch inner folding screen, and a battery capacity larger than that of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, marking a significant step forward in foldable technology.
