Apple to Capture 25% of Folding Phone Market by 2026

Apple is projected to capture a significant 25% share of the global folding smartphone market by the year 2026, according to a new analysis by market research firm TrendForce. This projection suggests a substantial entry into a segment currently dominated by a few key players. TrendForce's report indicates that Apple's first foldable device is anticipated to launch in the second half of 2025. The specific form factor of Apple's initial foldable offering remains a subject of speculation, with possibilities including a vertically folding smartphone or a horizontally folding tablet-like device. However, the research firm's forecast implies that regardless of the initial design, Apple's entry will rapidly reshape the competitive landscape.

The broader folding smartphone market is expected to experience robust growth in the coming years. TrendForce estimates that the total shipments of foldable smartphones will reach approximately 15 million units in 2024, a figure that is projected to climb to 17 million units in 2025. By 2026, this number is expected to surge to 20 million units. This sustained growth trajectory highlights the increasing consumer interest and technological advancements in foldable display technology. The market's expansion is driven by innovations in hinge mechanisms, display durability, and the unique user experiences offered by flexible screens.

Apple's anticipated market entry is poised to intensify competition among existing manufacturers such as Samsung, which has been a pioneer and leader in the foldable segment. Other notable players include Google, Motorola, and various Chinese brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Honor, all of whom have introduced their own foldable devices. The introduction of an Apple product is likely to elevate the visibility and mainstream appeal of foldable phones, potentially driving further innovation and price adjustments across the industry. The success of Apple's foldable device will depend on its ability to differentiate itself through design, user interface, and integration with its established ecosystem, factors that have historically contributed to its market dominance in other product categories. TrendForce's forecast underscores the strategic importance of the foldable market and Apple's potential to quickly become a major force within it.