Apple's first foldable iPhone to launch in 2026, with shipments projected over 10 million

Apple is poised to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first foldable iPhone, anticipated to be unveiled at the company's fall event in September 2026. The device is expected to launch alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro series, generating significant excitement among consumers and industry analysts alike.

Despite rumors suggesting a high price point, potentially around $2,500 (approximately 80,000 New Taiwan Dollars), international market research firm IDC remains highly optimistic about the device's sales performance. IDC projects that the initial year's shipments will easily surpass the 10 million unit mark.

IDC's senior research director noted that Apple's brand appeal could significantly impact the foldable market, which has been experiencing a double-digit decline. The firm forecasts that Apple's entry will drive global foldable phone market growth, with an estimated 12.6% increase this year and a further expansion to 18% next year. Long-term, Apple could command up to 40% of the foldable market share by 2027, posing a considerable challenge to current market leader Samsung.

Research from another firm, Counterpoint Research, supports this trend. Book-style foldable phones are expected to account for 76% of global foldable shipments this year. Samsung, which has historically held a dominant market share of up to 40%, may see its share drop to 32% this year, while Apple could capture 25% of shipments. All major research institutions agree that Apple's entry will inject strong momentum into the high-end foldable phone market, potentially sparking a new wave of device upgrades.

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Apple's entry into the foldable phone market will not only demonstrate its strong brand appeal but also directly reverse the crisis of the overall foldable market facing double-digit declines.