Global foldable smartphone shipments are expected to pass 100 million cumulative units by the end of 2026, according to Counterpoint Research. Apple could take 25% of the market in its first year, behind Samsung’s forecast 38% share.
Foldable smartphone shipments approach 100 million units
Counterpoint says the category is entering its eighth generation after the first commercial foldables appeared in 2019. Foldables still account for about 2% of the overall smartphone market, leaving most phone buyers on conventional slab designs.
The research firm forecasts 37% year-on-year growth in 2027, driven by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 series and Apple’s expected entry. It also expects the market to reach its next 100 million cumulative shipments milestone within the following three years.
Apple could ship six million foldable iPhones in 2026
Counterpoint forecasts up to six million foldable iPhone shipments during 2026. That would give Apple a 25% market share and the number two position, behind Samsung at 38% and ahead of Huawei at 22%.
The estimate assumes a limited selling window and restricted early supply. Counterpoint says production will ramp gradually after the expected unveiling, with availability differing by region.
“Initial supply for Apple’s first foldable iPhone will inevitably be limited during the early production ramp.”
Liz Lee, associate director at Counterpoint Research
Apple’s entry would bring more premium buyers into the category, but the price gap remains large. Counterpoint says foldables cost about three times as much as traditional slab smartphones, which keeps mass-market adoption several years away.
Samsung and Huawei remain ahead of Apple at launch
Samsung is forecast to lead the 2026 market, with Huawei in third place at 22%. Xiaomi, Motorola, HONOR, Google, vivo and OPPO are also preparing foldable products, including wider book-style designs.
The UAE already has a growing range of foldables. tbreak’s best foldable phones in the UAE guide covers the current options, while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 UAE prices show where local flagship pricing sits.
Counterpoint’s forecast is based on its August 2026 Foldable Smartphone Market Forecast update. Apple has not confirmed the product, launch timing or UAE availability.
When could foldable smartphone shipments pass 100 million?
Counterpoint Research expects cumulative global foldable smartphone shipments to surpass 100 million units by the end of 2026.
How many foldable iPhones could Apple ship in 2026?
Counterpoint forecasts up to six million foldable iPhone shipments in 2026, depending on supply and the length of the selling window.
Which company is forecast to lead the foldable market in 2026?
Samsung is forecast to lead with 38% of the global foldable market, ahead of Apple at 25% and Huawei at 22%.
