Global foldable smartphone shipments are expected to grow 20% in 2026 compared to last year, with Apple’s first entry cited as a key driver, according to industry sources referenced by DigiTimes.

The broader smartphone market contends with tighter supply of upstream logic chips and higher memory prices, yet the foldable segment is projected to keep expanding. Samsung is expected to retain its lead, while Apple, Huawei, and other brands push growth, with the fourth quarter of 2026 flagged as the year’s most important sales period.

Wider foldable designs and Apple’s move give the category a further lift. Nearly eight years of development, a growing number of brand launches, and a broader range of devices have made foldables more mature, adding momentum for shipment expansion. Apple plans to unveil its first foldable iPhone with the iPhone 18 Pro models in September, and has told suppliers to prepare for roughly 10 million units this year.

Supply‑chain analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo suggests the device may not be available for pre‑order until the fourth quarter of 2026, aligning with DigiTimes’ framing of that quarter as the key growth window. Samsung’s own experience shows early preorder campaigns boost launch sales, but the bigger growth phase is expected in Q4 when multiple brands launch, keeping demand strong as long as price increases remain reasonable.