IPhone Fold Expected to Transform the Global Foldable Smartphone Market
Published: 11 Dec 2025
A variety of foldable smartphones have grown incrementally over the years as a result of the efforts made by companies like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola among others. Now, IDC has published a new report detailing how the introduction of Apple’s first foldable phone (referred to informally by most as the iPhone Fold) will be the catalyst that causes a big acceleration in growth within the foldable smartphone space between now and 2026. The product is already garnering a high level of interest and excitement from analysts, consumers and competitors alike and is set to launch sometime in 2026.
Market Impact Forecast
Expected Market Share Influence
According to IDC’s forecast, the iPhone Fold will quickly become a flagship device for the foldable market. The device will account for over 22% of all global foldable smartphones in its first year of sales, making it one of the fastest-growing new devices in the smartphone marketplace and a great opportunity for Apple to establish itself as a leader in being the first to enter into this emerging market segment where it has not yet decided to enter.
Contribution to Overall Market Value
The iPhone Fold is expected to capture a large share of the value side of the foldable market as well as a high volume of shipments. The iPhone Fold is rumored to be priced at $2,400, which translates into roughly 34% of the overall market’s value by 2026. With Apple being known for its high-priced products and having a loyal following, even with lower production volumes than a traditional iPhone model, the company could still generate significant revenue.
Growth Acceleration Across the Industry
When Apple introduces its foldable mobile device, it will have a huge impact on the entire industry, beyond just Apple’s ecosystem. According to IDC, this move will cause the overall foldable mobile segment to see an expected increase of around 30% in 2026 alone, and support will come from other manufacturers like Samsung (with its Galaxy Z TriFold) and Huawei (which continues to refresh its line of foldable products), among many others. Along with providing a new level of performance for the foldable market, Apple’s entry typically provides a signal to many other manufacturers that continued innovation and development in the area of foldables will be needed quickly.
Long Term Expectations
Outperforming the Traditional Smartphone Market
According to IDC’s long-term forecast, between now and 2030, foldable mobile phones will see much better growth than all other phones combined. Gradually as consumer awareness increases, and technology continues to improve, more and more high-end and professional customers will select a foldable phone as their next device. In fact, IDC estimates that by 2029, foldable devices will account for more than 10% of the entire global Smartphone market, confirming that this is a permanent product category and not just a fad.
Rising Consumer Acceptance
Foldable phones were originally experimental due to high cost and concerns regarding their durability, but improved technology in hinges, reduced display crease visibility, better display materials, and more efficient batteries have led to greater consumer interest. Additionally, Apple’s entry will likely lead to greater acceptance of foldable phones by users previously resistant to the new form factor.
Rumored Features of the iPhone Fold
Display Specifications
According to early reports, the iPhone Fold is said to have a small-ish 5.8-inch outer screen for quick access to notifications and other interactions. When the device is opened up (unfolded), the main display will likely expand to a little less than 7.58 inches and be closer to tablet size. It will likely be a better fit for multitasking, consuming media, playing games, and being productive than a traditional smartphone. The front of the phone may not show any line across the centre of the device or there shouldn’t be a noticeable crease compared to the front of a lot of other folding phones at this time.
Battery Capacity and Performance
Another noteworthy rumour is in regards to the battery used in the device. Analysis of the battery capacity indicated that it could possibly be larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which shows that Apple is looking to provide excellent performance with an added larger folding display. With a larger battery, users would be able to maximise their multitasking capabilities as well as their media consumption – without having to recharge very often.
Build Quality and Hardware Design
Similar to previous iPhone models, the foldable iPhone likely uses premium components, advanced hinge engineering, and a design emphasizing durability. According to reports, Apple underwent rigorous testing of the hinge mechanism to ensure that the mechanism can withstand repeated folding without issue. Additionally, the possible addition of new protective coatings or display materials will increase the longevity of the device.
Conclusion
Should forecasts and speculation surrounding the upcoming iPhone Fold materialize, Apple will be introducing a game changer among smartphones. It will offer an elite design, cutting-edge technology, and will leverage the strength of the Apple ecosystem, which could generate immense interest by consumers who have been anticipating an Apple entry into the foldable space. The introduction of the iPhone Fold will represent a marked change in market dynamics as the foldable category rapidly grows and becomes more competitive among leading brands. Accordingly, the iPhone Fold could significantly impact the future course of smartphone innovation over the next ten years.
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- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
