Foldable Smartphone Market Set for 30% Growth in 2026

The global market for foldable smartphones is entering a new phase. After years of slow adoption, the category is now gaining real momentum. New devices, new features, and new brands are expected to reshape consumer interest. According to the latest forecast from IDC, the foldable smartphone market will rise 30% year over year in 2026. This marks a major jump from earlier expectations and shows that the market is becoming a key part of the broader smartphone industry.

IDC reports that shipments will reach 20.6 million units in 2025. This represents a 10% increase from the previous year. While this growth is steady, the real surge is expected in 2026. Several high-profile launches will drive this shift. Two devices stand out. Apple will introduce its first foldable iPhone, and Samsung will expand its lineup with the Galaxy Z Trifold. Both products are set to reach consumers early in 2026 and are expected to ignite global demand.

Foldable Phone Market Set for 30% Growth in 2026

Samsung remains a major force in foldables. In 2026, the company will push the category forward with the Galaxy Z Trifold. This device brings a tri-fold design to mainstream buyers for the first time. Samsung’s strong performance with the Galaxy Z Fold7 in 2025 has already built confidence among consumers. The new model will expand on that success and introduce more buyers to advanced folding designs.

Huawei will also play a notable role. Its foldable devices running HarmonyOS Next are gaining strength in the market. IDC forecasts that Huawei’s foldable shipments will almost double in 2026. This rise shows that competition is widening, and more brands are now contributing to overall growth.

However, the most significant milestone is Apple’s entry into the foldable space. IDC expects Apple to capture more than 22% of foldable unit share in its first year. Apple is also projected to take 34% of the total value of the foldable market in 2026. This is due to its expected premium price point of around $2,400. Apple’s arrival typically increases awareness in any new category. Analysts believe the same effect will occur here. Consumer interest is likely to rise sharply, especially among buyers who prefer high-end devices.

See also: Is Apple Finally Ready for a Foldable iPhone in 2026? Samsung believes it

Foldables will not replace traditional smartphones soon. The segment will remain smaller in volume. However, its impact on market value will be significant. Average prices for foldable phones are much higher than standard smartphones. IDC notes that foldables may become major revenue drivers for vendors, even if they sell fewer units.

The broader smartphone industry has been facing slow growth. Consumers are keeping their devices longer. Upgrade cycles have become harder to influence. Foldables, and now tri-folds, offer a fresh reason to upgrade. They introduce new capabilities and deliver more flexible designs. IDC expects the foldable category to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17% through 2029. In contrast, the traditional smartphone market will grow less than 1% over the same period.

The next few years will be important. Innovation, premium design, and strong brand competition will shape the future of foldable devices. The market is entering a dynamic new era.