Updated
Updated · Forbes · Aug 23
Apple Plans 10 Million iPhone Fold Units as Foldables Head for 36 Million by 2028
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Aug 23

Apple Plans 10 Million iPhone Fold Units as Foldables Head for 36 Million by 2028

3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Aug 23

Summary

  • Apple is preparing about 10 million iPhone Fold units, a scale that would exceed Samsung’s initial 2.8 million-unit Galaxy Z Fold 8 order by more than three times.
  • Omdia forecasts the global foldable market will grow more than 20% annually through 2028 to 36 million units, with 5.1 million devices shipped in the first half of 2026 alone.
  • Book-style foldables—the format Apple is expected to use—now make up 69% of shipments, while clamshell models fell 47% year on year, signaling a sharp shift in buyer preference.
  • Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 reinforces that trend: it drew 1.44 million pre-orders in seven days in South Korea, 70% for the new wide design, prompting Samsung to add 1 million units.
  • Apple still faces first-generation foldable risks, including hinge durability, software optimization, costly screen repairs, battery strain and a price that analysts say could reach $2,400.

Insights

Will Apple's massive gamble on a $2,400 book-style foldable redefine the smartphone industry or become a historically costly misstep?
Beyond the crease-free hype, will the hidden repair nightmares of Apple's upcoming foldable alienate everyday users despite its production scale?