Apple's highly anticipated move into the foldable smartphone market is expected to take place in the second half of 2026, with the debut of its first foldable iPhone. This development marks a significant milestone for the company, signaling its commitment to entering an evolving and increasingly competitive market. As Apple is known for its precise hardware and software integration, the introduction of a foldable iPhone has the potential to reshape the foldable smartphone landscape, setting new standards for innovation, quality, and user experience. Apple's entry into the market could have far-reaching implications for both the company itself and the industry as a whole.
The foldable smartphone market has experienced a steady growth trajectory in recent years, with key players such as Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola leading the charge. Samsung, in particular, has dominated the foldable segment with its Galaxy Z series, making continuous improvements to the design and durability of its devices. Over the years, Samsung's foldable phones have gained traction, thanks to their enhanced flexibility, better display technology, and more robust folding mechanisms. However, the market has faced some challenges as growth begins to slow, and Apple’s entry is now seen as a potential catalyst that could reinvigorate the foldable market.
Despite the excitement surrounding Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone, the foldable smartphone market itself has been encountering obstacles. A recent report by Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) revealed that the foldable smartphone market has suffered its first-ever year-over-year decline, with growth rates significantly slowing in recent months. From 2019 to 2023, the market experienced a compound annual growth rate of approximately 40%, but DSCC now forecasts a mere 5% growth in 2024, followed by a 4% decline in 2025. According to the report, the demand for foldable smartphone displays has stalled at around 22 million panels annually, and procurement of these panels was down 38% in Q3 2024. With demand continuing to lag, the foldable segment may face additional declines in the coming quarters.
One of the most exciting aspects of Apple’s foldable iPhone is the expected inclusion of cutting-edge technology that aims to set it apart from existing foldable devices. Industry reports suggest that the foldable iPhone will feature a flexible OLED display, a significant advancement that could be more durable and resilient than current foldable screens. This display is said to be capable of enduring hundreds of thousands of folds without showing substantial wear, a major improvement over existing foldable devices that often struggle with long-term durability. In addition to the foldable display, Apple is expected to design the device with innovative folding mechanisms that could combine elements from its existing iPhone lineup with fresh, forward-thinking design concepts.
Alongside the display technology, the foldable iPhone is also likely to feature powerful hardware specifications, including a state-of-the-art chip, high-end cameras, and a premium design that Apple is known for. As with other Apple devices, the foldable iPhone will run on iOS, ensuring a seamless user experience that connects effortlessly with Apple’s extensive ecosystem of products and services, such as iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple Pay. This integration will make the foldable iPhone especially appealing to loyal Apple customers who are already immersed in the company’s ecosystem, providing them with a convenient and cohesive user experience.
However, the question remains whether Apple’s foldable iPhone will be enough to revive the struggling foldable market. If the market for foldable devices has already reached its peak or saturation point, Apple’s influence, while significant, may not be enough to turn things around entirely. A potential challenge is that foldable devices are still a niche category in the broader smartphone market, and despite Apple’s innovation, other manufacturers may continue to face challenges in reaching a wider audience. The long-term success of foldable devices will depend on how consumers perceive the technology's value and whether they are willing to embrace the new form factor despite its higher price point compared to traditional smartphones.
Apple's foldable iPhone is likely to generate a significant amount of buzz, and its release could create a surge in interest in foldable smartphones. However, it remains unclear whether the foldable segment will ever reach the same level of mainstream adoption as other smartphone categories. While Apple's foldable iPhone may trigger a temporary resurgence in foldable device demand, only time will reveal how it impacts the broader smartphone market and whether it leads to sustained growth in this innovative, yet still evolving, category.
Ultimately, Apple’s foldable iPhone promises to be a game-changing device that could transform the foldable smartphone landscape. With its expected advanced technology, premium design, and integration with the Apple ecosystem, the foldable iPhone could set a new benchmark for the industry. However, the success of the device will depend on how it resonates with consumers and whether the broader foldable smartphone market can overcome its current stagnation. As we look ahead to 2026, the industry will eagerly await the launch of Apple’s foldable iPhone, as it could ultimately define the future of foldable devices and their place in the global smartphone market.
