100 million cumulative foldable smartphones are forecast to ship globally by the end of 2026, marking the category’s eighth year since commercial launch in 2019.
Apple’s expected foldable iPhone debut this week is a key driver, with Counterpoint projecting up to 6 million 2026 shipments and a rapid climb to the No. 2 spot.
Samsung is forecast to lead the 2026 market with 38% share, followed by Apple at 25% and Huawei at 22%, helped by stronger demand for wider book-style devices.
Supply, not demand, is seen as Apple’s main near-term constraint, with limited initial production likely to slow regional rollout after launch.
37% shipment growth is forecast for 2027—foldables’ fastest pace since 2022—even though the segment still makes up only about 2% of the overall smartphone market.