The foldable smartphone world, mostly led by
Samsung, is about to face a major shift. The long-awaited launch of Apple’s flexible device, commonly called the
iPhone Fold, is not just big news—it’s the start of huge market growth. A
new report from IDC, a top research company, says the global foldable market will jump by an amazing
30% in 2026. This boom is mostly because of Apple.
For a long time, many people have held back. They were waiting for Apple to step in. They wanted a design they could trust. They wanted the screen to be tough. I think this waiting period is now ending. Apple is known for making complex tech feel simple. That simple feeling is exactly what the foldable market needs to grow fast.
The $2,400 Price and Power
The
IDC report shows a huge difference between sales and money earned. The iPhone Fold will quickly grab over
22% of all foldable units sold in its first year. That is a lot of phones.
However, the money story is even bigger. The iPhone Fold is rumored to cost around $2,400. Because of this high price, IDC believes the device will take a massive 34% of the foldable market's total value. This is key. It shows that people trust the Apple name enough to pay a huge premium. They are buying quality and trust, not just a foldable phone.
Apple Helps Everyone
This surge is not just good for Apple. IDC calls Apple the "catalyst for mainstream adoption." When Apple says foldables are good, the public listens. This increased interest will help everyone. Competitors like Samsung, with its advanced
Galaxy Z TriFold, and Huawei will also see better sales.
What will you get for $2,400? Rumors point to a 7.58-inch flexible inner display and a useful 5.8-inch outside screen. Importantly, it is expected to have a huge battery, even larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. A big battery is necessary. It ensures the phone can work all day, even with two screens. IDC confirms that foldables will be important. They are expected to account for over 10% of the entire smartphone market value by 2029. The future is flexible, and Apple is leading the charge for value.
Key points
- The global foldable market is set for a huge 30% growth in 2026, largely due to the new iPhone Fold, according to IDC.
- The iPhone Fold is expected to grab over 22% of units sold and a massive 34% of the total market value in its first year.
- This high revenue share is because of the rumored ultra-premium $2,400 price tag.
- Apple’s entry will act as a "catalyst," increasing interest in foldables for all brands, including Samsung and Huawei.
- The device is rumored to include a 7.58-inch flexible inner display and a battery larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.