Apple’s long-awaited entry into the foldable smartphone segment could reshape the competitive landscape far more quickly than anticipated. According to a new report by Smart Analytics Global (SAG), the launch of Apple’s first foldable iPhone—expected in the second half of 2026—is projected to capture a 25% share of global foldable shipments soon after its release.
The report describes this launch as a market inflection point. Rather than merely taking customers away from Android rivals like Samsung and Huawei, Apple’s ecosystem, brand loyalty, and premium positioning are expected to significantly expand the overall addressable market for foldable devices. SAG assumes Apple will roll out its first foldable iPhone without major manufacturing, shipping, or reliability issues, at a price of approximately $2,000 in 2026. Under this scenario, Apple could become the global leader in foldable smartphones by 2027.
Currently, Huawei leads the foldable market with around 40% of shipments in Q1 2026, though its share has declined due to rising competition. Samsung has nearly doubled its share to 25%, driven by strong sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. Honor has also strengthened its position in the premium foldable segment, indicating intensifying competition even before Apple’s arrival.
Beyond vendor rankings, the report highlights a shift toward wider foldable designs. Traditional book-style foldables still dominate, accounting for about 69% of worldwide shipments in Q1 2026, but wide-fold phones—such as Huawei’s Pura X and Pura X Max—are emerging as the next growth engine. SAG predicts wide-fold devices will reach nearly 20 million unit shipments by 2027.
Despite slower growth in the broader smartphone market, analysts see foldables as a long-term growth area. Apple’s entry is expected to boost consumer awareness, strengthen carrier support, and accelerate mainstream adoption of foldable technology.