Apple’s iPhone Fold is one of the most anticipated devices of 2026, and it’s widely expected to make foldables much more popular. Now, we have more specific numbers thanks to new estimates shared by IDC.
iPhone Fold is expected to capture 22% of the foldable market
Apple will capture over 22% of the foldable shipments in 2026, according to an IDC estimate. The company is also set to get 34% of the foldable market value, as the iPhone Fold is expected to have a $2,400 starting price.
Image credit – IDC”
Even after the initial boom, Apple is expected to continue growing its market share for at least a few years. However, that growth will be much slower, and by 2029, the company is set to hold a 34% share of the foldable smartphone shipments.
Growth for everyone
Image credit – IDC”
While Apple’s entry in the foldable market will shake it up, the current leaders are also going to grow because of it. The overall market for those devices is expected to grow 30% in 2026 and another 21% in 2027. That’s in stark contrast with the anemic growth of the overall smartphone market.
Recommended For You
Do you plan to buy a foldable soon?
I’m waiting for the iPhone Fold
100%
I’m waiting for the Galaxy Z TriFold
0%
Yes, my next phone will be foldable
0%
No, I’ll stick to my slab phone
0%
Samsung is also set to drive interest toward foldables. The company recently announced the Galaxy Z TriFold, which will launch early next year and is expected to ignite consumer demand through next year.
Apple tends to be a catalyst for mainstream adoption of new categories. Although foldables will continue to be a niche segment from a volume perspective, it will become a relevant value driver for most vendors offering foldables, as average selling prices will be 3 times higher than a standard smartphone.
Francisco Jeronimo, Vice President of client devices at IDC, December 2025
Apple is rumored to launch the iPhone Fold in the fall of 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The device will feature a book-style design with a 5.5” external display and a 7.8 internal screen, which may be the first on the market without a visible crease.
iPhone Fold will sell like hotcakes
I don’t need an analyst to tell me that Apple’s foldable will sell like hotcakes. The company is perfectly positioned to sell expensive devices to its army of loyal fans with deep pockets. The only thing that could stop it is if the device has some serious technical issues, but that’s unlikely.
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: