Foldable Smartphones
Foldable smartphones, once seen as futuristic novelties, are now becoming the next major battleground in the premium device market. Samsung has long dominated the space with its Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series, and Huawei has been a formidable player in Asia, but now Apple is preparing to enter the foldable race. Analysts expect Apple’s first foldable iPhone to arrive in 2026, a move that could push the category from niche to mainstream. Today, foldables account for less than 2% of global smartphone shipments, but growth forecasts are strong, with market size projected to expand from about $31 billion in 2025 to over $100 billion by 2030. The draw is clear: consumers get a portable device that unfolds into a larger screen, perfect for AI-driven multitasking, gaming, streaming, and productivity. Advances in ultra-thin glass, hinge engineering, and battery efficiency have also addressed early complaints about bulk, fragility, and short lifespans, making these devices more practical than ever.
Samsung has proven that foldables can be profitable, with models like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 FE capturing a loyal high-end user base. The company is pushing even further, with plans to release tri-fold models by year’s end, signaling confidence in consumer appetite for new form factors. Google has dipped its toes in the market with the Pixel Fold, a cautious entry designed to test the waters, while building software capabilities that make Android more foldable-friendly. But it’s Apple’s rumored arrival that has analysts most interested. The foldable iPhone, reportedly featuring a book-style design with a 7.7-inch crease-free inner display, could carry a price tag between $1,800 and $2,500. While expensive, Apple’s brand power, hardware polish, and deep integration with its ecosystem could finally legitimize foldables for the mass market.
If Apple executes well, its entry could catalyze a 30% surge in foldable shipments in 2026, transforming the segment from a luxury experiment into a mainstream premium option. The timing also aligns with the rise of on-device AI, which benefits from larger, multitasking-friendly displays. Samsung will fight to maintain its lead, Google will likely refine its foldable ambitions, and Apple will try to redefine the category in its own image. What’s certain is that foldables are no longer just concept devices—they are shaping up to be the next defining chapter in the smartphone wars.
