Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) reported plans to launch a foldable iPhone in 2026 could breathe new life into the foldable smartphone market, which has been experiencing waning consumer interest.
What Happened: Display analyst Ross Young has indicated that Apple aims to enter the foldable market in the latter half of 2026. This strategic move could significantly boost the market, with projections of a record-breaking year.
Young anticipates a growth of over 30% in the foldable market in 2026, followed by a 20% growth in 2027 and 2028.
Speculation has been rife about Apple's foldable iPhone, with analysts predicting a launch around September 2026. The device is expected to feature a size range between 7.9 and 8.3 inches, adopting a "clamshell" design akin to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip.
This approach would allow the iPhone to fold vertically, offering a full-size device when opened and a compact form when closed.
Why It Matters: The introduction of a foldable iPhone by Apple comes after eight generations of foldable phones from competitors like Samsung. According to a report by the Korean publication Alpha Economy, Apple has set September 2026 as the launch date for its foldable iPhone, marking a significant milestone in the company's product lineup.
Meanwhile, the global smartphone market is poised for a rebound. According to International Data Corporation, global smartphone shipments are expected to rise by 6.2% year-over-year in 2024, reaching 1.24 billion units.
This growth follows two years of decline, driven by pent-up demand for device upgrades. However, growth is expected to slow to low single digits from 2025 onward.
To make things difficult for Apple, Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co. has been ramping up efforts to challenge the iPhone maker's dominance. The Chinese smartphone maker recently launched the Mate XT, a tri-fold phone priced at $2,800, significantly higher than Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max.