Apple aims to ship 6 million iPhone Duo foldables in 2026
Apple plans to sell roughly 6 million units of its new iPhone Duo foldable this year, according to Counterpoint Research.
Senior analyst Ivan Lam of Counterpoint Research projects Apple’s first foldable, the iPhone Duo, will reach about 6 million units sold in 2026, a figure more common in the niche foldable segment than in Apple’s broader smartphone portfolio. The $ 1,999 device is scheduled for an October debut, and its success hinges on Apple’s ability to quickly ramp up manufacturing capacity. IDC forecasts a 13% increase in global foldable shipments to 22.9 million units this year, noting that Apple’s entry would reverse an otherwise declining market.
The Duo’s launch coincides with the iPhone 18 Pro family, which has seen a strong start in China, helping Apple capture roughly a third of that market despite a 17% year-on-year drop for Chinese brands. Higher component costs are pushing all makers to raise prices, which may improve the iPhone’s value perception relative to rivals.
Why it matters
Apple’s foldable debut could reshape the niche market and influence smartphone pricing worldwide.
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