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Apple's Foldable iPhone to Spark 20% Market Surge in 2026

Global foldable smartphone shipments are projected to grow 20% year-on-year in 2026, driven primarily by Apple's anticipated entry into the segment. The report from Counterpoint Research states Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to capture a 46% share in North America, intensifying pressure on rivals like Samsung, Motorola, and Google. Major Android OEMs are accelerating updates to their foldable portfolios, with new book-type devices launching throughout the year to compete. Despite currently representing only 1.6% of the overall smartphone market, the foldable category is becoming strategically vital for manufacturers seeking higher-margin products.

Key Points: Foldable Smartphone Market to Grow 20% in 2026

  • Apple's entry to disrupt market
  • Intensifying competition among OEMs
  • Book-type foldables key for productivity
  • Category crucial for OEM margins
2 min read

Global foldable smartphone market likely to grow 20 pc in 2026

Global foldable smartphone shipments projected to grow 20% in 2026, driven by Apple's entry and intensified competition among major brands.

Global foldable smartphone market likely to grow 20 pc in 2026
"Apple appears particularly well positioned given its long-standing experience with iPadOS and large screen software optimization. - Counterpoint Research"

New Delhi, March 17

Global foldable smartphone shipments are projected to grow 20 per cent year‑on‑year in 2026, driven by Apple's expected entry into the segment and continued premiumisation of the smartphone market, a report said on Tuesday.

The report from Counterpoint Research said Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to intensify competition, and the company is projected to capture a 46 per cent share in North America in 2026.

North America will see the most immediate disruption as Apple's entry places added pressure on existing foldable vendors including Samsung, Motorola and Google, the report said.

Major Android OEMs are accelerating updates to their foldable portfolios with new book-type devices launching throughout the year due to intensifying competition.

Despite foldables representing only 1.6 per cent of the overall smartphone market in 2025, the category is becoming increasingly important for OEMs as they look for models with attractive margins to offset pricing pressure in the entry and mid-range segments.

The report highlighted that OEMs are centering foldable strategies on book‑type devices offering larger displays for multitasking, media consumption and productivity-oriented use cases.

"Apple appears particularly well positioned given its long-standing experience with iPadOS and large screen software optimization," the report said.

Some Android users considering book-type foldables may also evaluate Apple's upcoming device as an alternative, increasing the potential for ecosystem switching, it predicted.

Samsung plans to launch next‑generation Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip updates in Q3 2026. The company is expected to adjust its lineup by replacing the previous Flip FE with a wider aspect ratio Fold variant designed to compete more directly with Apple's anticipated book-type foldable, the firm said.

Motorola will sell its first book-type device, Razr Fold in Q2 2026, and Google is expected to refresh the next-generation Pixel Fold in Q4 2026, the report said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a productivity user, I'm excited for book-type foldables. Multitasking on a larger screen while commuting in Mumbai local would be a blessing! But durability is my main concern with our dusty environment and monsoons. 🤔
R
Rohit P
Only 1.6% of the market? Shows it's still a niche, ultra-premium segment. In India, most people are looking for value phones under 20k. This feels like a race for the 1% while the majority needs better basic smartphones.
S
Sarah B
Competition is good, but I hope this doesn't mean companies will neglect improving their regular flagship phones. Not everyone wants or can afford a foldable. A respectful criticism: focus on battery life and software updates for all segments.
V
Vikram M
Motorola Razr Fold sounds interesting! They have nostalgia value in India. If they price it competitively against Samsung, they could do well here. Apple will dominate the premium segment, but Android options will be key for most Indian buyers.
K
Kavya N
Exciting times! But service centers for foldables in tier 2 and 3 cities? That's a big challenge. What happens if the screen breaks in Patna or Coimbatore? Companies need to build robust after-sales support in India, not just launch products.

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