Apple Foldable iPhone Set to Shake Up Global Market, Report Reveals Explosive 2027 Growth

Apple foldable iPhone entry could push global foldable smartphone shipments up 37% in 2027, new Counterpoint Research report reveals.

Introduction
The Apple foldable iPhone is finally moving from rumour to reality, and the ripple effects are already being felt across the smartphone industry. A fresh report from Counterpoint Research suggests that the arrival of the Apple foldable iPhone could trigger the fastest growth the foldable smartphone category has seen since 2022. According to the findings, global foldable smartphone shipments are projected to rise by a striking 37 percent in 2027, largely on the back of the Apple foldable iPhone launch and continued momentum from Samsung’s book-style devices. For an industry that has spent nearly eight years trying to convince mainstream buyers that folding screens are worth the price, this could be the turning point.

Who, What, When, Where and Why: The Core of the Story
Who: Apple, Samsung, Huawei and market research firm Counterpoint Research are the key players in this developing story.

What: Counterpoint’s latest research projects a sharp jump in global foldable smartphone shipments, driven primarily by the debut of the Apple foldable iPhone.

When: The surge is expected through 2026 and into 2027, with the Apple foldable iPhone reportedly launching in 2026.

Where: The impact is global, though premium markets in the US, China, India and Europe are expected to see the sharpest demand for the Apple foldable iPhone.

Why: Apple’s entry validates the foldable category for cautious buyers who had been waiting for the company to join the segment before investing in folding technology.

Background: Eight Years of the Foldable Category
The world’s first commercially available foldable smartphone launched back in 2019, and the category is now approaching its eighth anniversary. Despite steady innovation, foldables remain a niche within the broader smartphone industry, accounting for only around 2 percent of total global smartphone shipments, according to Counterpoint Research. That said, cumulative foldable smartphone shipments are expected to cross the 100 million-unit mark by the end of 2026 — a milestone that sets the stage for what could be an even faster second act once the Apple foldable iPhone enters the picture.

Timeline: How the Apple Foldable iPhone Changes the Trajectory
2019: The first commercial foldable smartphone launches, creating a new product category.
2026 (end of year): Cumulative global foldable shipments are projected to surpass 100 million units.
2026: Apple is expected to ship close to 6 million units of the Apple foldable iPhone in its debut year, translating into an estimated 25 percent share of the global foldable market — enough to place Apple second only to Samsung.
2027: Shipments of the Apple foldable iPhone could more than double, pushing Apple’s foldable market share to nearly 40 percent, while the overall foldable segment grows 37 percent year-on-year.
Roughly three years from 2026: The category’s next 100 million cumulative units could be shipped, roughly half the time it took to reach the first milestone.
Current Situation: Market Share Breakdown

Counterpoint’s estimates paint a competitive but still Samsung-led picture for now. Samsung is expected to retain the largest share of the foldable market at around 38 percent, with Huawei close behind at approximately 22 percent. The Apple foldable iPhone, despite launching later than its rivals, is tipped to capture around 25 percent of global foldable shipments in its very first year — a remarkable debut that reflects the brand loyalty and premium positioning Apple commands. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 series, Huawei’s newer book-style devices, and the Apple foldable iPhone are all expected to jointly drive the category’s next growth phase.

Public Impact: Supply Constraints and Pricing Hurdles
Not everything about the Apple foldable iPhone rollout is expected to be smooth. Counterpoint’s report flags limited early production capacity as a real challenge, meaning initial demand could outstrip supply in the first few months after launch. Buyers in some regions may face longer wait times before the Apple foldable iPhone becomes widely available, as manufacturing scales up gradually.

Pricing remains the other major obstacle for the entire foldable segment. Foldable smartphones, including the anticipated Apple foldable iPhone, typically cost around three times more than conventional smartphones. This price gap is expected to keep foldables a premium, rather than mass-market, product for the next few years — even as more brands enter the space and production costs gradually decline.

Future Updates: What Comes Next for the Foldable Segment
Looking ahead, analysts expect the Apple foldable iPhone to intensify competition in the premium segment specifically, rather than disrupt the budget or mid-range smartphone market. Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint, noted that Apple’s entry will heighten competition in the premium foldable space, even though foldables as a whole remain a small fraction of the total smartphone market — leaving considerable room for expansion. As more manufacturers refine hardware, introduce new form factors, and expand production, the foldable category’s overall growth curve is expected to steepen well beyond 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the Apple foldable iPhone report about?
A: Counterpoint Research projects that global foldable smartphone shipments will rise 37 percent in 2027, driven largely by the launch of the Apple foldable iPhone.

Q2: When will the Apple foldable iPhone launch?
A: Industry estimates point to a 2026 launch, with Apple expected to ship close to 6 million units in its first year.

Q3: What market share can the Apple foldable iPhone capture?
A: Apple could capture around 25 percent of the global foldable market in 2026, rising to nearly 40 percent by 2027.

Q4: Why are foldable smartphones so expensive?
A: Foldable smartphones, including the Apple foldable iPhone, cost roughly three times more than regular smartphones due to complex hinge mechanisms and flexible display technology.

Q5: Will Apple overtake Samsung in the foldable market?
A: Not immediately. Samsung is expected to retain the top spot with around 38 percent share, while Apple is projected to be a strong second at close to 40 percent by 2027.

Conclusion
The Apple foldable iPhone appears set to become one of the most consequential launches in the smartphone industry’s recent history. While supply constraints may limit availability in the early months, Counterpoint Research’s projections suggest that Apple’s entry — combined with continued innovation from Samsung and Huawei — could push the foldable smartphone segment to its fastest growth rate since 2022. With global shipments expected to climb 37 percent in 2027, the Apple foldable iPhone is not just another product launch; it may well be the moment the foldable category finally moves from niche curiosity to mainstream contender.

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