Apple is expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026, marking a significant milestone for the company as it enters the fast-growing foldable smartphone market. This much-anticipated move has the potential to reshape the industry, with Apple’s entry likely to set new standards for innovation and quality in foldable devices.

The foldable smartphone market has seen steady growth over the past few years, driven by companies like Samsung, Huawei and Motorola. Samsung, in particular, has been a major player with its Galaxy Z series, constantly improving foldable design and durability with each iteration. However, Apple’s foray into foldables is expected to attract even more attention, as the company is known for its careful approach to hardware and software integration, providing an experience that many consumers are eager to explore. .

A new report from DSCC highlights the struggles that foldable smartphones are facing in the market. They have endured their first year-to-date decline, and things are expected to get worse. However the report suggests one reason for optimism: Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone. “After enjoying growth of at least 40 percent per year from 2019-2023, DSCC now believes the foldable smartphone display market will grow only 5 percent in 2024 and fall 4 percent in 2025,” the report said. Demand has stalled by nearly 22M, with purchases of foldable smartphone displays down 38 percent Y/Y in Q3’24 and in the next five. Expected to be lower. Quarter.”

According to multiple industry reports, the upcoming foldable iPhone is likely to feature cutting-edge technology, including a flexible OLED display that can withstand hundreds of thousands of folds without any significant wear and tear. It has been speculated that Apple’s foldable will come with a unique design, possibly combining features of its existing iPhone lineup with a new, innovative folding mechanism.

The foldable device is also expected to feature strong hardware specs, including a powerful chip, high-quality cameras, and a sleek design that maintains the premium feel that Apple is known for. Additionally, the device is likely to be supported by Apple’s iOS, providing a seamless experience with other Apple products and services, such as iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple Pay.

If Apple’s foldable iPhone is released, it is expected to have a significant impact on the foldable smartphone market. However, relying solely on the iPhone for success in this category could be problematic. If the market for foldables has already reached its peak, other smartphone makers may face challenges that Apple will not be able to solve alone.

While a foldable iPhone would likely boost demand for foldable devices, the real question is how much it could actually change the trajectory of its competitors. Only time will tell the answer to this.