Apple reportedly plans to enter the foldable smartphone market in 2026 with a new flip iPhone. This could be marked as a significant milestone for the smartphone segment as the Cupertino-based tech giant’s entry can rapidly boost the rapidly growing foldable smartphone market.
Moreover, with Apple’s entry, we are likely to see new standards for innovation and quality in foldable devices.
Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone: What to expect
According to a new report by Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), the foldable smartphone market is facing a slight slump currently as after at least 40% growth per year from 2019-2023, the foldable smartphone display market will grow by just 5% in 2024 and fall by 4% in 2025. Additionally, foldable smartphone display procurement was down by 38% in the last quarter and is expected to further decline in the next four to five quarters.
However, according to multiple industry reports, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could become the catalyst for growth in this segment. Display analyst Ross Young suggests that the launch of the first foldable iPhone should mark a record year for the foldable market due to Apple’s dominant position in the flagship smartphone segment. He also believes that this launch could ignite a 30% growth in 2026 and a 20% in 2027 and 2028 for the foldable smartphone segment.
Apple is reportedly collaborating with Samsung for the supply of display panels for this foldable iPhone model, which will likely have a clamshell flip-style design, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. Further, it is expected to have between a 7.9-inch and 8.3-inch main foldable screen.