Global Foldable Phone Shipments to Grow 20% in 2026 as Apple Prepares 10 Million Units
Updated
Updated · MacRumors · Aug 5
Global Foldable Phone Shipments to Grow 20% in 2026 as Apple Prepares 10 Million Units
3 articles · Updated · MacRumors · Aug 5
Summary
Industry sources cited by DigiTimes expect global foldable smartphone shipments to rise 20% in 2026, with Apple’s first foldable iPhone a key driver of the increase.
Apple has reportedly told suppliers to prepare about 10 million units this year, and wider foldable designs plus more brand launches are seen lifting demand even as the broader smartphone market faces tighter logic-chip supply and higher memory prices.
Samsung is expected to keep its lead in foldables, but Apple, Huawei and other brands are projected to expand the category, with the fourth quarter flagged as the most important sales window.
Q4 2026 could align with Apple’s launch timing: Ming-Chi Kuo has said the foldable iPhone may not open for preorders until then, when multiple foldable releases are already on the market.
Nearly eight years of product development have made foldables more mature, and DigiTimes said demand should hold up if expected price increases remain reasonable.