Apple's upcoming book-type foldable iPhone could significantly reshape the foldable device market, according to a new report from Counterpoint Research. The device, expected to launch later this year with a 5.5-inch outer display and 7.8-inch inner screen, is projected to help book-type foldables capture 65% of total shipments in 2026, up from 52% in 2025.

Samsung has dominated the book-type foldable segment since 2020, though Huawei briefly took the lead in 2024. Counterpoint Research suggests Apple's entry will accelerate adoption by emphasizing productivity-focused use cases rather than experimental form factors. The report notes that Apple's ecosystem integration and software experience could differentiate its offering in an increasingly competitive market.

Memory supply constraints are also driving manufacturers toward higher-margin devices, with book-type foldables positioned as premium products that support average selling price expansion. While Apple is reportedly considering a clamshell-style foldable as well, the company is betting its first foldable iPhone will generate sufficient demand to justify additional form factors. This strategic move could fundamentally alter leadership dynamics in the foldable smartphone segment, with Apple's brand power and ecosystem potentially accelerating mainstream adoption of book-type devices.