When Apple’s competitors first started releasing foldable smartphones a few years ago, they were seen as the next big thing. Apple faced criticism for not launching a foldable iPhone quickly enough to compete with Android foldables. However, interest in foldable smartphones has dwindled recently. But all that could change with the introduction of a foldable iPhone, according to display analyst Ross Young.
In a report on the current state of the foldable smartphone market and its recent stagnation, Young predicts that Apple will “enter the foldable market” in the latter half of 2026. He believes that Apple’s strong position in the premium smartphone market could drive growth in the foldable smartphone market in 2026, potentially leading to a record year in sales of foldable devices.
Youth anticipates that the foldable phone market will expand by more than 30% in 2026 and continue to grow at a rate of 20% in 2027 and 2028.
Young’s observations about the slowing foldable smartphone market and the potential impact of a foldable iPhone come at a time when the foldable smartphone display market has seen a decline in annual growth from double digits to single digits.
The foldable smartphone display market experienced at least 40% annual growth from 2019 to 2023. However, a recent analysis by IDC indicates that the market slowed in 2024, with foldable phone models garnering attention “despite low volumes in the market” simply because they are unique and intriguing.
Youth predicts a modest 5% increase in the market in 2024, followed by a 4% decline in 2025. Demand for foldable displays has plateaued at around 22 million panels. Procurement of foldable smartphone displays dropped by 38% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2024 and is expected to decline in four of the next five quarters.
Samsung, the leading player in the foldable smartphone market, has experienced slower-than-expected adoption of its Galaxy Z Flip 6 clamshell smartphone. Demand for the company’s older foldable models has also declined. Panel shipments for the Z Flip 6 in 2024 are projected to be more than 10% lower than those for the Z Flip 5 in 2023.
While there is still strong demand for foldables in Korea and Europe, these devices have faced challenges in the US and Chinese markets. The Z Fold 6 is expected to outsell the Z Fold 5 by a small margin in 2024, but Samsung’s total orders for foldable panels are anticipated to drop by over 20%, reaching the lowest level since 2021. Despite maintaining its position as the top player in foldable smartphone panel procurement in 2024, Samsung’s market share is expected to decrease from 52% to 40%.
Huawei’s panel procurement in the second half of 2024 has also been underwhelming, with its market share dropping from 30% in Q2 2024 to 13% in Q3 2024. This decline is primarily due to delays in the release of the company’s Mate X6 and Pocket 3 devices, which impacted panel shipments. Panel procurement for the Mate XT also fell short of expectations. Despite an anticipated growth of over 90% in foldable panel procurement in 2024, Huawei’s market share is projected to rise from 18% to 33%. However, Huawei is facing challenges due to restrictions on importing advanced processors in China, putting the company at a disadvantage in the high-end smartphone market.
Rumors about a foldable iPhone have circulated within the Apple community for some time, with several false starts. However, Young and other analysts believe that Apple is finally on track to introduce its first foldable model in late 2026.
Rumors suggest that the device will have a screen size between 7.9 and 8.3 inches and may feature a “clamshell” design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip, potentially earning it the moniker of iPhone Flip.
[The information presented in this article has not been confirmed by Apple and may be speculative. Details provided may not be accurate. Approach all rumors, whether tech-related or otherwise, with caution.]
