Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone could push the niche market into the mainstream
Apple is slated to unveil its first foldable iPhone next month, a move analysts say could dramatically expand the modest foldable-phone segment.
Foldable phones began with Royole's FlexPai and a troubled Samsung Galaxy Fold, but subsequent generations have become thinner, lighter, and more durable, with prices slowly decreasing. Manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, Google, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi and Honor now offer a range of flip and book-style devices, some featuring IP68 or IP69 ratings and advanced battery technologies. Despite these advances, the segment remains niche, accounting for just 1.6% of the market in 2025.
Apple’s anticipated iPhone 18 Pro Fold, expected next month, is viewed as a potential turning point, with IDC forecasting a 34% market-value share for the company in its debut year. Analysts debate whether Apple will broaden consumer acceptance or simply attract premium-price buyers, while rivals may respond with wider-fold designs. The next year will test whether foldables move beyond a specialist product to a mainstream choice.
Why it matters
Apple's entry could turn a niche, expensive technology into a mainstream smartphone option.
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