According to the latest report by IDC, foldable smartphones are becoming popular across the world, which has predicted a huge growth in the demand for foldable phones in 2026. Next year, in 2026, both Samsung and Apple will launch new foldable phones. Samsung’s tri-fold and Apple’s first foldable phone may be launched in 2026. The demand for foldable smartphones is increasing globally. IDC estimates that this segment will grow by 10 percent in 2025 compared to last year. Shipments of foldable smartphones could reach 20.6 million units in 2025.
Demand for foldable phones is increasing
The firm believes that foldable phones will outperform the overall smartphone market in terms of growth. According to IDC’s latest outlook, there is strong demand for foldable phones in most global markets, especially for upcoming foldable phones.
In the coming days, Samsung will launch its tri-fold phone in the global market, while Apple’s folding phone is also being discussed. Both will be launched in the premium segment. The way foldable phones are becoming popular, they are becoming a new source of revenue for manufacturers. According to the research firm, by 2029, foldable smartphones will account for 10 percent of the global smartphone market. IDC estimates that this segment will see rapid growth in 2026, with shipments of such phones increasing by 30 percent compared to 2025.
Samsung and Apple can launch their phones
Upcoming launches will play an important role in this growth, in which the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold will play a key role. This phone will be launched in the first quarter of 2026. Along with this, Apple may also launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026. It may be launched in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, Huawei’s foldable phones are also expected to perform well in the Chinese market. These devices will come with HarmonyOS Next instead of Android. The research firm believes that Apple can achieve 22 percent market share in the foldable phone category in the first year of launch.
The average price of Apple’s foldable smartphone could be around $2,400 (approximately ₹2,15,700). Although these phones will be limited in terms of volume, but will be far ahead in terms of value. The average price of a foldable phone will be three times higher than that of a regular smartphone.