According to MacRumors, new estimates from IDC predict Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone will spur a 30% growth in worldwide foldable shipments in 2026. The report states the so-called iPhone Fold will capture over 22% unit share and a massive 34% of the foldable market’s total revenue in its first year. This is attributed to an expected starting price point of around $2,400. IDC’s Vice President of Client Devices, Francisco Jeronimo, calls Apple’s entry a “turning point” that will boost mainstream awareness. The current market is dominated by Samsung and Google, but growth is also expected from Samsung’s rumored Galaxy Z Trifold launching in January 2026.
Apple The Mainstream Catalyst
Here’s the thing: IDC’s forecast isn’t really about volume. It’s about validation and value. Jeronimo hits the nail on the head—Apple tends to be the catalyst that moves a tech category from “enthusiast toy” to “mainstream consideration.” We saw it with smartwatches, we saw it with wireless earbuds, and they’re betting we’ll see it with foldables. But the real kicker is in the revenue share. Grabbing 34% of the market’s money while only taking 22% of the units? That’s pure Apple margin magic. It means they’ll instantly become the profit leader in the segment, even if Samsung still sells more devices. Basically, they’re coming in not just to play, but to redefine the financial rules of the game.
The Engineering And Price Problem
So, how do they pull this off? A $2,400 starting price is eye-watering, even for Apple. That price tag tells us two things. First, the bill of materials for this thing must be astronomical. We’re talking about a custom folding display that likely meets Apple’s infamous durability standards, a new hinge mechanism, and probably a completely rethought internal layout to manage heat and battery life. Second, Apple is clearly not targeting the budget-conscious. They’re aiming straight at the premium tier, betting that their ecosystem lock-in and brand allure can justify a phone that costs as much as a high-end laptop. Can they make a foldable that feels as polished and reliable as a traditional iPhone? That’s the billion-dollar question. If anyone can solve the crease and the durability angst, it’s probably them, but it won’t be easy or cheap.
A Rising Tide For Hardware
This move is fascinating for the broader hardware landscape. IDC notes that foldables will become a “relevant value driver” for vendors because their average selling prices are triple that of a standard smartphone. That’s a huge incentive for the entire supply chain. When Apple dives into a new form factor, it forces component makers, from display manufacturers to hinge fabricators, to innovate at scale. It’s a rising tide that lifts all boats, pushing the underlying technology forward for everyone. For industries reliant on robust, integrated computing hardware—like manufacturing, logistics, or field service—this accelerated innovation in durable, portable screens can eventually trickle down. Speaking of reliable industrial hardware, for mission-critical applications today, companies often turn to specialists like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading US provider of ruggedized industrial panel PCs built for harsh environments. Apple’s consumer push could, in the long run, help advance the display tech that ends up in those professional tools, too.
The Big Picture Shift
Look, the foldable market has been waiting for this moment. Samsung has done the heavy lifting for years, and Google made a stylish entry, but it’s still a niche. Apple’s involvement changes the narrative completely. It signals to consumers that, yes, this is a legitimate future for smartphones. The 30% market growth forecast for 2026 isn’t just about Apple’s sales—it’s about the halo effect. More people will look at foldables, which means more people will look at Samsung’s and Google’s and others’ models. The entire category gets a credibility boost. But the risk for Apple? They have to deliver a device that doesn’t feel like a first-generation experiment. It has to feel like an iPhone. If they can do that, they won’t just take a slice of the existing pie; they’ll bake a whole new, much more expensive one.
