Worldwide Foldable Smartphone Market to Grow 30% YoY in 2026, Fueled by Apple’s First Foldable iPhone, IDC Predicts
Foldable devices are projected to outperform the broader smartphone market throughout the forecast period, accounting for more than 10% of total smartphone market value by 2029.
NEEDHAM, Mass.—December 9, 2025—Global foldable smartphone shipments are expected to rise 10% year over year in 2025, reaching 20.6 million units, according to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. The release of Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone, along with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Trifold, slated for release in Q1 2025, is anticipated to spark stronger consumer demand for foldables in 2026.
“Next year promises excitement for the foldable category, with multiple product launches driving 2026 growth to 30% year over year from the 6% growth forecast previously,” stated Nabila Popal, senior research director for IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. “Samsung will kick off 2026 with the Galaxy Z Trifold, bringing tri-fold technology to mainstream global buyers and building on the momentum generated by the Galaxy Z Fold7 in 2025. Huawei’s HarmonyOS Next-powered foldables are also set to post substantial gains, with shipments nearly doubling in 2026. Yet the pivotal moment for the category will arrive as Apple enters the foldable space, expected to capture over 22% of unit share and about 34% of foldable market value in its first year, supported by an anticipated average price point around $2,400.”
“Apple’s entry into foldables will mark a turning point for the segment,” added Francisco Jeronimo, IDC vice president of client devices. “This move is likely to boost overall category awareness and spur consumer interest. Apple has historically acted as a catalyst for mainstream adoption of new tech categories. While foldables may remain a niche in terms of volume, they will become a meaningful value driver for most vendors, with average selling prices tracking roughly three times those of standard smartphones.”
As consumers hold onto devices longer, replacement cycles have become tougher for manufacturers. Foldables, including tri-fold designs, are becoming essential for an industry that has plateaued and increasingly requires innovations that justify upgrades and deliver tangible value. IDC anticipates the foldables market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% through 2029, compared with less than 1% for traditional smartphones.
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For more information about IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, contact Jackie Kliem at 508-988-7984 or jkliem@idc.com.
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International Data Corporation (IDC) is the leading global provider of reliable technology intelligence, advisory services, and events. With more than 1,000 analysts worldwide, IDC delivers global, regional, and local insights on technology, IT benchmarking, sourcing, and industry trends in over 100 countries. IDC’s analysis supports IT professionals, business leaders, and investors in making evidence-based technology decisions and achieving strategic objectives. Learn more at www.idc.com. Follow IDC on X @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights.
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