Foldable Smartphone Sales to Rise 20% This Year Due to 'iPhone Ultra'
Global foldable smartphone shipments are expected to grow 20% in 2026 compared to last year, with Apple's first entry into the category cited as one of the factors driving the increase, according to industry sources cited by DigiTimes . The report notes that the broader smartphone market is contending with tighter supply of upstream logic chips and higher memory prices, but says the foldable…
According to industry sources cited by DigiTimes, the global foldable smartphone market is projected to experience a 20% increase in shipments in 2026 compared to the previous year. Apple's introduction of the first foldable smartphone, dubbed 'iPhone Ultra,' is cited as a significant driver behind this growth. The broader smartphone market currently faces challenges such as limited supply of upstream logic chips and rising memory costs, yet the foldable segment is anticipated to continue expanding despite these obstacles.
Samsung is predicted to maintain its position as the leading brand in this category, while other manufacturers like Apple, Huawei, and others are also contributing to the upward trend. The crucial sales period for the foldable smartphone market is expected to be the fourth quarter of 2026, with a focus on wider foldable designs and Apple's entry into the foldable market, which is further boosting the sector.
Industry experts highlight that extensive product development over the past nearly eight years, coupled with numerous brand launches and a wider variety of devices, has matured the foldable category, providing manufacturers with the momentum needed to increase shipments. Apple is anticipated to unveil its inaugural foldable iPhone, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, in September and has reportedly instructed suppliers to manufacture approximately 10 million units for the year.
Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that the device might not be available for pre-order until the fourth quarter of 2026, aligning with DigiTimes' emphasis on this quarter as the peak growth window. The report suggests that although Samsung has observed that early preorder campaigns can spur strong sales during the launch phase, the substantial growth is projected to occur later in the year, post the launch of foldable models from multiple brands.
This timeframe is considered a pivotal opportunity to broaden overall demand and stimulate shipment growth. DigiTimes further notes that most consumers anticipate device prices to rise, which should help sustain demand as long as price increases remain reasonable.
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