New Delhi, Sep 7: Foldable smartphones are moving closer to becoming a mainstream premium device category, with cumulative global shipments expected to cross the 100-million mark by the end of 2026, according to the latest industry forecast.
The milestone comes as smartphone makers continue to invest in new designs, larger displays and improved folding technology. The category, which emerged commercially in 2019, is now entering its eighth generation, with brands such as Samsung and Huawei continuing to expand their foldable portfolios.
The market could receive another major boost with Apple expected to enter the foldable smartphone segment. Counterpoint Research estimates that Apple could ship up to 6 million foldable iPhones in 2026, potentially giving the company a 25 per cent share of the global foldable market despite having a limited selling window this year.
Samsung is forecast to remain the market leader in 2026 with around 38 per cent of global foldable shipments, followed by Apple at 25 per cent and Huawei at 22 per cent.
Although foldable phones currently account for only about 2 per cent of the overall smartphone market, their growth potential remains significant. The wider availability of book-style devices and growing consumer interest in larger, more flexible screens are expected to support further expansion.
The momentum is likely to continue into 2027, with global foldable shipments projected to grow by around 37 per cent. Analysts expect stronger competition among smartphone brands, new form factors and Apple’s entry to bring more consumers into the segment.
The industry is also seeing growing interest in wider foldable designs that offer a more tablet-like experience when opened. This trend, along with improving technology and a broader choice of devices, could help foldables gradually move beyond their current premium niche.
With cumulative shipments set to cross 100 million units, 2026 could mark an important turning point for foldable smartphones as manufacturers compete to make the technology more practical and appealing to everyday consumers.