iPhone Fold Anticipated to be a Major Breakthrough in 2024, Projected to Have a Significant Effect
### Foldable iPhone Anticipated to Propel 30% Growth in Market
IDC has released a fresh report outlining expectations for the foldable smartphone market for the upcoming year, forecasting a notable 30% year-over-year increase spurred by the expected introduction of the iPhone Fold.
In IDC’s report, “Next year will be thrilling for the foldable segment with several launches driving the market to a 30% YoY growth from only 6% in the previous forecast,” stated Nabila Popal, senior research director at IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. The report suggests that Samsung will kick off 2026 with the Galaxy Z Trifold, bringing tri-fold innovation to regular consumers, building on the accomplishment of the Galaxy Z Fold7 in 2025. Moreover, Huawei’s foldable devices featuring HarmonyOS Next are anticipated to see robust growth, with shipments set to nearly double in 2026. However, the most substantial effect is expected from Apple, which is estimated to enter the foldable market by year’s end, seizing over 22% unit share and an impressive 34% of the foldables market value in its inaugural year, thanks to a projected average price of $2,400.
Expectations for Apple’s debut foldable iPhone are exceptionally high, targeting a 22% unit share and 34% of market value. This underscores both the niche nature of foldable smartphones, which have existed for about seven years, and the potential influence Apple can exert with a single device.
Foldable smartphones are only beginning to gain momentum, yet they still constitute a relatively small portion of the overall market. Apple’s arrival could greatly enhance the popularity of this form factor, but success is not assured. For example, the recent unveiling of the iPhone Air, a new variant, is reported to have fallen short in sales despite favorable user reviews.
As the foldable smartphone landscape progresses, the lingering question is: Will foldables emerge as a major success in the smartphone market? The response may hinge on consumer reception and the effectiveness of marketing strategies surrounding these innovative gadgets.
Read More
