'iPhone Fold' Arrival Expected to Cement Book-Style Era for Foldables

[MacRumors]

Foldable smartphone panel shipments are projected to jump 46% year-over-year in 2026, with Apple's entry into the market serving as the main catalyst, according to Counterpoint Research's latest Foldable-Rollable Display Shipment Tracker.

"Apple is the key driver as it starts to procure panels for its first foldable iPhone," said Counterpoint's Guillaume Chansin. The research firm expects Apple's foldable iPhone to "reinvigorate the broader market," spurring massive growth in panel shipments next year.

Apple's "iPhone Fold," which we are provisionally calling it, is said to have an outer display and opens like a book to reveal a larger iPad mini-style internal display. The report indicates that Apple's entry into the market will see similar book-type foldables cement their position as the dominant form factor in 2026. Meanwhile, multi-fold panels, like those used in Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold, will account for only low single-digit market share.

Samsung Display stands to benefit most from the shift, with its panel market share expected to climb past 50%. Samsung is also reportedly supplying the panels for Apple's first foldable. The move toward book-type designs is also expected to drive up average selling prices for foldable panels.

Consumer preference appears to be shifting toward larger displays that offer tablet-like productivity. Counterpoint notes that Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold outsold the Flip model during the early sales window in the second half of 2025, which was a first for the series.

• iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple's Foldable

Counterpoint expects overall foldable smartphone shipments to grow 14% in 2025 and 38% in 2026. Apple's foldable iPhone is expected to arrive next year, around mid-September.

Article Link: 'iPhone Fold' Arrival Expected to Cement Book-Style Era for Foldables

 

[UltimaKilo]

I suspect it will be wildly successful and I may end up picking one up after the second or third generation.

 

[jamface]

They’ll never make a folding phone etc..

 

[Dr McKay]

While I don't imagine it will be the most popular model, I think it'll take a decent market share among the iPhones. I regularly see people with Galaxy Folds and those are nearly as expensive as the rumoured iPhone fold price. There seems to be a large crowd on MR though who don't have a concept of "personal preference" and will come in to say "I don't want one, so why would anyone else?"

 

[MayaUser]

They’ll never make a folding phone etc..

.. meanwhile i bet you are wrong and Apple will release some kind of foldable device

 

[Falco McGregor]

I’m not going to likely purchase one of these, but I’m glad Apple is shaking things up. Additional models and a smarter expansion of its product lines are what’s going to keep Apple competitive during the tech shift over the next five to ten years. Even if the Air was disappointing in terms of sales, it’s good to see Apple push form factor and flex its design muscles. Outside of the iPhone, wearables is in desperate need of a shakeup. A stripped down fitness tracker, smart ring or Apple using its Edition branding to bring different form factors to the watch (yes, even a round face) in addition to its core model can ensure Apple stays top of mind for consumers looking for something new and fresh.

 

[arobert3434]

If they really come out with a simple duofold opening to a square screen that might finally make me switch to Android. Samsung and Huawei both have trifolds that open to a tablet form factor. There IS a thickness penalty, but overall bulk is not far off today's "max" phones, and you actually get a large-screen experience in the bargain.

 

[Saturn1217]

It’s going to take a lot for me to get off the iPhone 17 Pro Max. It is that good.

I also hope this doesn’t stop Apple from giving the iPad mini the display it deserves.

But I’m still very curious to see if Apple can bring foldables fully into the mainstream. I’m definitely interested.

 

[CEmajr]

It will definitely be the device that makes foldable phones more mainstream. Apple in particular, has been the company that makes new technology mainstream once they choose to adopt it.

 

[Fanboi4life]

They’re trying to push foldable phones like 3D tv. Yeah no thanks, I don’t like moving parts on phones.

 

[Digital Dude]

Over the past couple of years, I’ve been thoroughly exploring foldable devices, and I’m completely sold on them. It’s not about the flashy design, but rather about my neuropathy condition, which has impaired my sensory nerves. Manipulating my 12Max is quite cumbersome, so having a larger screen would theoretically simplify my workflow with an open panel. 🤷‍♂️

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

When they launch their foldable, they should bite the bullet and launch the consumer and prosumer models at the same time.

Apple Fold (5.5-inch to 7.8-inch)

Apple Fold Ultra/Pro (sil-car battery, improved chip, better cameras, larger size)

Why shouldn't they be called "iPhone"? Because closed it's an iPhone, and open it's an iPad.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Coworker showed me his new galaxy fold yesterday, and it's the first time I've held and tried one out. It was interesting, but didn't feel very rugged, which is kinda important with phones for me. I tend to use my stuff in some unforgiving environments. Anyway, he moved from either a 15 or 16 Pro Max and Apple watch, to the Fold and a Galaxy watch, and was quite happy with the switch. It's his first Android device. Asked if he was going to go back if/when Apple releases a fold and he said "naa". He liked the customization of Android, hates iOS 26/Liquid Glass, and was tried of Apple "blowing smoke up his ass".

While it was cool to check out, I don't personally see myself getting on this train. I don't need or want to carry more screen with me. Might be interesting a flip-style foldable, though.

 

[syklee26]

the biggest dilemma regarding foldable: if front screen (folded) is too small so users are forced to unfold, the user experience would suck. if front screen is the size of iPhone pro (or max), then users will rarely unfold it. Finding that perfect dimension is the absolute key for success.

 

[axelandersh]

I wish they wouldn’t bother with this, it’s such a silly form. Of the people I’ve seen using these in public, most have them folded (cool, you’re holding two phones) and one was watching a movie, on a square, with a crease in the middle. Truly dumb!

 

[CATiNTHESTORE]

Coworker showed me his new galaxy fold yesterday, and it's the first time I've held and tried one out. It was interesting, but didn't feel very rugged, which is kinda important with phones for me. I tend to use my stuff in some unforgiving environments. Anyway, he moved from either a 15 or 16 Pro Max and Apple watch, to the Fold and a Galaxy watch, and was quite happy with the switch. It's his first Android device. Asked if he was going to go back if/when Apple releases a fold and he said "naa". He liked the customization of Android, hates iOS 26/Liquid Glass, and was tried of Apple "blowing smoke up his ass".

While it was cool to check out, I don't personally see myself getting on this train. I don't need or want to carry more screen with me.

simple example from my side: hotspot working as a rock on the Android but hotspot implementation on the IOS is a pain in the ass, I'm sorry for my language. And yes, new iOS 26 LG - I'm literally thinking to switch

 

[Berti10]

I think, the article overestimates Apple‘s impact. Let’s face it, the last successful new iPhone Form factor war the iPhone C. Mini failed, rebirth of the Plus failed and the Air fails miserably. The iPhone fold won’t define the category.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

simple example from my side: hotspot working as a rock on the Android but hotspot implementation on the IOS is a pain in the ass, I'm sorry for my language. And yes, new iOS 26 LG - I'm literally thinking to switch

Tethering used to be solid for me, but I can't get it work for more than a few mins at a time since my work phone was updated to iOS 26.

 

[FatLouie]

Foldable phone! Humf...they are a passing fad, like the "Tickel Me Elmo" dolls!!
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[Nyx1]

if the price is reasonable then it is possible

 

[CharlesShaw]

If this thing actually get released, my only guarantee is an increase in AppleCare One subscriptions.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

If this thing actually get released, my only guarantee is an increase in AppleCare One subscriptions.

Is AppleCare One the only option AppleCare option now?

 

[CharlesShaw]

Is AppleCare One the only option AppleCare option now?

No, they still offer Individual Device Coverage (monthly and varies greatly by device).

 

[FatLouie]

I think, the article overestimates Apple‘s impact. Let’s face it, the last successful new iPhone Form factor war the iPhone C. Mini failed, rebirth of the Plus failed and the Air fails miserably. The iPhone fold won’t define the category.

Yep, it does seem like a lot of 'projection' to me. Apple will not define the foldable any more or any less than Samsung or anyone else, especially since Apple was not first to the table.

A foldable is expensive enough that owners will probably not upgrade it annually, as they would with the average Apple single-screen phone. Until foldables reach the price range of single-screen phones, they will remain a niche market for the wealthy and enthusiasts.

 

[heller]

I want double foldable 10" device, thanks!