With the anticipated iPhone Fold, the foldable smartphone market is once again in the spotlight. Industry analyses suggest that Apple's first foldable iPhone is not just launching another device, but triggering a structural shift in the entire segment. In particular, the book-like format is expected to finally establish itself as the standard for foldable smartphones.
Foldable smartphones have evolved slowly over the years. While manufacturers like Samsung launched market-ready models early on, a major breakthrough failed to materialize. High prices, limited everyday use, and skepticism regarding durability hampered growth. However, current market data clearly indicates a trend reversal. Apple's entry into the market is considered a crucial factor in moving foldable devices out of their niche and establishing them in the mass market in the long term.
Apple as a growth driver for foldable displays
According to Counterpoint Research's latest "Foldable-Rollable Display Shipment Tracker," shipments of foldable smartphone displays are expected to increase by 46 percent year-on-year by 2026. The market research company cites Apple's market entry as the primary reason.
Guillaume Chansin of Counterpoint Research explains that Apple has already begun sourcing displays for its first foldable iPhone. This step alone is enough to noticeably stimulate the entire market. Counterpoint anticipates that Apple's foldable iPhone will lead to a significant increase in display shipments within the first year after its market launch.
The expected design of the iPhone Fold
The iPhone Fold, as it's tentatively called, is intended to be clearly based on a book format. It will feature an external display for classic smartphone use when closed. When unfolded, a significantly larger internal display will be revealed, reminiscent of an iPad mini in size and functionality.
This design allows for a combination of smartphone and tablet and targets users who need more screen space and productivity on the go. According to Counterpoint, this approach is crucial for the future dominance of certain form factors in the foldable smartphone market.
The book format is becoming the standard
The report predicts that foldable, book-style devices will solidify their position as the leading form factor by 2026. With Apple's entry into the market, similar designs are expected to become industry-wide.
According to Counterpoint, other concepts play only a minor role. Multifolding displays, such as those used in the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, are expected to achieve only a small single-digit market share. The market focus is therefore clearly shifting towards devices with a large, continuous inner display.
Samsung Display as the biggest beneficiary
Samsung Display is likely to benefit most from this development. Counterpoint predicts that the company's market share in foldable displays will rise to over 50 percent. Samsung is also expected to supply the displays for Apple's first foldable iPhone.
The trend towards book-format designs will also have economic consequences, according to the report. Larger displays and more complex constructions are driving up the average selling prices for foldable displays. This affects both manufacturers and the pricing structure of the end devices.
Changes in consumer preferences
Parallel to technological advancements, buyer preferences are also changing. Counterpoint observes an increasing demand for larger displays that enable tablet-like use. Productivity, multitasking, and media consumption are playing an increasingly important role in this.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold sent a clear signal. In the first sales phase of the second half of 2025, the Fold model surpassed the Flip model for the first time. This was a first for the Galaxy Z series and an indication that larger foldable devices are gaining in importance.
Market development until 2026
Counterpoint anticipates significant overall growth in the foldable smartphone market. Global shipments are expected to increase by 14 percent for the entire year of 2025. Growth is projected to reach 38 percent in 2026.
According to current estimates, the iPhone Fold is expected to launch next year, with mid-September being considered a likely timeframe. This would place Apple in a phase where the market is already poised for strong growth.
iPhone Fold as a turning point for the foldable smartphone market
The iPhone Fold is considered a key factor in the next stage of foldable smartphone development. Apple's entry into the market is likely not only to boost demand but also to clearly shift the focus to devices in a book-like format. Larger displays, increased productivity, and rising shipment volumes suggest that foldable smartphones are on the verge of a lasting breakthrough. With the iPhone Fold, this device category could finally establish itself as a major player in the smartphone market. (Image: sdecoret / DepositPhotos.com)
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