Projected to grow 30% in 2026, foldable smartphones are poised to grow far faster than the overall smartphone market. New launches from brands, especially Apple, steal the spotlight.
Global shipments of foldable smartphones are forecast to grow 10% year-on-year (YoY) to 20.6 million units by the end of 2025. According to recent data from International Data Corporation (IDC), this growth is expected to jump to 29.7%, almost 30% in 2026, up from IDC’s earlier projection of 6%. The expansion will far outpace the broader smartphone market.
The new launches are expected to unlock fresh consumer interest. Samsung plans to introduce its Galaxy Z Trifold in the first quarter of 2026, bringing tri-fold devices to a broader global audience. The launch will build on the momentum of the Galaxy Z Fold7, which performed strongly in 2025.
Huawei is also forecast to gain ground. Its foldable devices running HarmonyOS Next are expected to see shipments almost double in 2026, reinforcing competition in the premium segment.
However, Apple’s entry is expected to reshape the market. IDC projects Apple’s first foldable iPhone to arrive towards the end of 2026. In its first year, the device is expected to account for more than 22% of global foldable smartphone shipments.
In value terms, Apple could capture around 34% of the market, supported by an estimated average selling price of US$2400.
Despite rising interest, foldables will remain a niche by volume. Yet they are becoming increasingly important commercially. Average selling prices for foldables are expected to be approximately three times those of standard smartphones, making them a key value driver for vendors.
IDC forecasts foldables will outperform the broader smartphone market throughout the forecast period. Shipments are expected to grow at a 17% compound annual growth rate through 2029. By comparison, the traditional smartphone market is forecast to grow at less than 1%.
By 2029, foldable devices are projected to account for more than 10% of the global smartphone market value, reflecting their growing importance to the industry.
