Apple’s iPhone Fold is tipped for late 2026, with IDC seeing a 22% share of foldables in year one. Pricing near $2,400 could push foldable phones mainstream.
© A. Krivonosov
Apple is gearing up to break into the foldable-device market, and analysts expect its entry to dramatically accelerate the category’s evolution. The prime engine of that shift is set to be the iPhone Fold—one of 2026’s most anticipated gadgets—which experts say could push foldable phones into the mainstream.
IDC forecasts that in the very first year of sales Apple will account for more than 22% of global foldable shipments, while capturing 34% of revenue thanks to a price of about $2,400. For a debut product, that pricing clearly positions it as a status purchase rather than a volume play, and the revenue outlook reflects it. Although growth is expected to slow after 2026, Apple’s influence would keep widening: by 2029 the company’s share could reach 34% of all foldable phones sold.
Sales of foldables are projected to jump 30% in 2026 and another 21% in 2027—a sharp contrast with the sluggish trajectory of conventional smartphones. Samsung is expected to add momentum later, preparing to launch the Galaxy Z TriFold, which rumors suggest will draw strong demand.
IDC notes that Apple typically acts as a catalyst for the mass adoption of new form factors. While foldable phones will remain relatively niche in volume terms, their high prices are set to make them a key category within the premium tier. The pattern is familiar: a late arrival that reframes expectations and nudges the market upward.
Leaks suggest the iPhone Fold will arrive in fall 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The device is expected to adopt a book-style design, with a 5.5-inch outer display and a large 7.8-inch inner screen that could become the first foldable panel without a visible crease. Analysts argue that, provided there are no major technical hiccups, the iPhone Fold would sell quickly—Apple’s audience appears ready for ultra-expensive devices.