Apple might enter the foldable market in the second half of 2026. According to the new report, foldable iPhones are also expected to raise the demand bar in the market.
- Apple is expected to launch a foldable iPhone in late 2026
- A foldable iPhone might impact on the market trajectory
- Samsung launched the world’s first foldable smartphone
Apple is expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026, marking a significant milestone as it enters the rapidly growing foldable smartphone market. This highly anticipated move has the potential to reshape the industry, with Apple’s entry likely to set new standards for innovation and quality in foldable devices.
The foldable smartphone market has grown steadily over the past few years, driven by companies like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola. Samsung, in particular, has been a dominant player with its Galaxy Z series, continuously improving the foldable design and durability with each iteration. However, Apple’s foray into foldables is expected to attract even more attention, as the company is known for its meticulous approach to hardware and software integration, offering an experience that many consumers are eager to explore.
A new report from DSCC highlights the struggles that foldable smartphones face in the market. They just endured their first year-over-year decline, and things are expected to worsen. The report notes one reason for optimism: Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone. The report states, “After enjoying at least 40 per cent growth per year from 2019-2023, DSCC now believes the foldable smartphone display market will rise just 5 percent in 2024 and fall by 4 percent in 2025. Demand has stalled at around 22M panels. Foldable smartphone display procurement was down 38% Y/Y in Q3’24 and is expected to be down Y/Y in four of the next five quarters.”
According to multiple industry reports, the upcoming foldable iPhone will likely feature cutting-edge technology, including a flexible OLED display that can withstand hundreds of thousands of folds without significant wear. It is speculated that Apple’s foldable will come with a unique design, possibly combining features from its iPhone lineup with new, innovative folding mechanisms.
The foldable device is also expected to feature robust hardware specs, including a powerful chip, high-quality cameras, and a sleek design that maintains the premium feel Apple is known for. Furthermore, the device is likely to be supported by Apple’s iOS, offering a seamless experience with other Apple products and services, such as iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple Pay.
If Apple’s foldable iPhone is released, it is expected to significantly impact the foldable smartphone market. However, relying solely on the iPhone to drive the success of this category could be problematic. If the market for foldables has already peaked, other smartphone manufacturers might face challenges that Apple alone won’t be able to resolve.
While a foldable iPhone would likely boost demand for foldable devices, the real question is how much it can truly alter the trajectory of its competitors. Only time will reveal the answer.
