{
  "id": 6124694,
  "title": "Apple could give foldables their big break",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/apple-could-give-foldables-their-big-break",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-07T09:09:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/electronics/apple-event-foldable-iphone-ultra-launch-smartphone-market-growth-samsung-xiaomi/articleshow/133872279.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple may be gearing up to make a significant entry into the foldable smartphone market, which has struggled to gain mainstream traction. In September, Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation iPhones, with leaks suggesting the highlight could be its first-ever foldable device, dubbed the iPhone Ultra. This move comes as the overall smartphone market contracts, while foldables are one of the few segments still expanding.\n\nAccording to IDC, global smartphone shipments are projected to decline by 16.7% in 2026 to just over 1 billion units, marking the steepest annual contraction ever recorded. However, foldable shipments are expected to increase by 12.6% in 2026 to 22.9 million units, with growth accelerating to 18% in 2027.\n\nIf Apple enters the foldable market, it could potentially capture more than 30% of the global market by next year, making it the leading brand. The company is expected to ship more than 3 million foldables this year and around 10 million units within the first year, despite a potential price tag of around $2,500.\n\nThe arrival of Apple's foldable could give the market a substantial boost. Francisco Jeronimo, Vice President of Client Devices at IDC, believes the new iPhone could drive a 13% increase in the market in 2026, with consumers likely to finance the expensive device. This is crucial since Apple doesn't need to launch a cheap foldable; rather, it may be entering a market that is becoming increasingly costly.\n\nAs foldable prices rise, Apple's premium pricing may not be a barrier for its target audience. Financing could help manage the higher cost, making the device more accessible. Furthermore, the foldable iPhone could drive a 13% growth in the market, encouraging more developers to create apps for larger screens and manufacturers to invest in hinge designs, displays, batteries, and thinner form factors.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}