Foldable iPhones will create a new turning point.

After years of waiting, the iPhone Fold could help the foldable smartphone market grow stronger in 2026.

Rendered images of a foldable iPhone are based on rumors. Image: MacRumors .

According to data from market research firm IDC , the foldable iPhone (tentatively called iPhone Fold) is expected to contribute significantly to global foldable smartphone sales in 2026.

Specifically, the iPhone Fold could capture over 20% of the foldable smartphone market share and 34% of its market value by 2026, thanks to its expected high price ( $2,400 ). Currently, the foldable phone market is mainly dominated by Samsung and Google.

Francisco Jeronimo, Vice President of Client Devices at IDC , believes the iPhone Fold will mark a turning point for the foldable smartphone segment.

"This move has the potential to increase awareness of the product and attract interest from users."

Apple typically promotes the widespread adoption of new products. While foldable smartphones will continue to be a niche segment in terms of sales, this will be a value-boosting factor for most manufacturers because the average selling price is three times higher than that of standard smartphones,” Jeronimo noted.

In 2025, IDC predicts global foldable smartphone sales will reach 20.6 million units, a 10% increase from the previous year. By 2026, the arrival of the iPhone Fold, Galaxy Z TriFold, and Galaxy Z Fold7 will create significant growth momentum.

Accordingly, the foldable smartphone market is expected to grow by 30% in 2026, instead of the previously predicted 6%. Besides Apple and Samsung, Huawei devices with their HarmonyOS Next platform will become more common.

Based on rumors, the iPhone Fold will have a screen of approximately 5.5 inches when folded and 7.8 inches when unfolded. Apple is said to have found a solution to eliminate the crease thanks to new hinge technology, meaning it will be one of the first foldable smartphones without a crease.

Predicted market share for foldable smartphones based on operating system (2025-2029). Image: IDC .

Previously, sources from ETNews (South Korea) reported that Apple had ordered 22 million OLED panels from Samsung Display for the iPhone Fold. This figure is significantly higher than previous predictions from the display industry.

Rumors suggest that Samsung plans to produce 11 million internal foldable OLED displays and 11 million external displays for Apple in 2026.

With Samsung Display as its exclusive partner, Apple aims to produce around 10 million iPhone Fold units. Companies typically order more than necessary to mitigate risks related to quality and production.

According to MacRumors , this plan is 30% higher than the industry's initial forecast (6-8 million units). These estimates were based on global foldable smartphone sales, which are only around 20 million units per year.

Apple plans to integrate Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE) technology into the iPhone Fold, a method that removes the traditional polarizing layer and integrates it directly onto the OLED layer. Removing the polarizing layer separately could improve thinness and make the screen brighter.

Additionally, the iPhone Fold may feature under-display camera (UDC) technology, creating a seamless display effect without the need for a notch.

Source: https://znews.vn/iphone-gap-se-tao-buoc-ngoat-moi-post1610269.html