Apple's Expected Foldable iPhone Could Shift Market Share
Mature foldable technology is set to debut in an Apple iPhone, which analysts predict could capture a third of the segment’s value in its first year.
Foldable smartphones have moved from early reliability problems to refined designs that are now comparable in thickness, durability and battery life to conventional flagships. Early models such as Royole’s FlexPai and Samsung’s first Galaxy Fold suffered breakage, but subsequent generations from Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, Google, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi and Honor have improved hinges, thinner profiles, higher water-resistance ratings and more capable cameras. Prices have also diversified, with premium book-style devices still near $2,000 while entry-level flip models are offered below $900.
Market data from Counterpoint shows foldables accounted for only 1.6 % of global smartphone shipments in 2025, underscoring their niche status. Nonetheless, the technology’s maturity is prompting Apple to prepare its first foldable iPhone, expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series next month. > "It will be a turning point for the foldable segment," said IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo, who projects Apple could claim about 34 % of foldable market value in the first year.
The upcoming device is rumored to feature a wide fold similar to recent Huawei and Samsung models and to run a customized version of iOS that offers an iPad-like interface without full iPadOS multitasking. Analysts suggest Apple’s entry could either broaden consumer acceptance of foldables or confirm limited demand at premium price points. The next year will test whether other manufacturers expand the form factor, continue experimenting with trifold designs, or retreat to more conventional smartphones.