July 23, 2026 at 12:36 PM 2 min readtechanalysis

Apple Expected To Capture Quarter Of Foldable Phone Market

Apple's Forecasted Foldable Market Share:

Counterpoint Research projections indicate that Apple is poised to capture approximately 25% of the foldable smartphone market within its first year of entry. Analysts believe that Apple’s arrival will significantly elevate consumer awareness and drive competitive innovation within the premium segment. While Samsung currently leads the foldable space with a projected 32% share, the market landscape is expected to undergo substantial changes once Apple introduces its version.

Market Drivers and Trends:

The shift toward foldable devices is fueled by growing consumer preference for larger screens and the increasing integration of artificial intelligence features. These capabilities require more screen real estate, making foldable form factors more practical for productivity and media consumption. As manufacturers attempt to differentiate their offerings, devices like Samsung's passport-shaped foldables reflect the industry's gamble on unique designs to retain market share.

Implications for Competition:

Apple's entry represents a major pivot in the foldable device category, shifting it from a niche premium segment to a more mainstream product category. The presence of a dominant player like Apple will likely encourage other manufacturers to accelerate their R&D efforts. For users in India, this intensification of competition is expected to lead to a broader range of high-end options and potentially more aggressive pricing models as the adoption of foldable displays matures over the coming years.
Pulse Intelligence
Context & Impact
  • Samsung has long been the primary driver of the foldable market, setting the standard for hinge technology and flexible displays.
  • Foldable phones have been criticized for high price points and durability concerns, which Apple's entry is expected to address.
  • Increased competition between Samsung and Apple could drive faster innovation in foldable hinge and display durability.
  • Broader market adoption of foldable devices is likely to influence app development standards for variable aspect ratios.

Stock valuations for major smartphone display and hinge suppliers could see positive movement as market adoption projections grow.

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