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Amid a sharp decline in foldable smartphone sales in 2024, hope emerges as Apple plans to launch its foldable iPhone in 2026. Analysts believe this move could significantly boost sales and reshape the foldable market's future.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone Highlights Industry Challenges
Foldable cellphones are having a hard time breaking into the market, according to a new DSCC analysis. They have just gone through their first year-over-year drop, and things are only going to get worse from here on out. One bright spot, though, is Apple's forthcoming foldable iPhone, which the article highlights.
Although they are still in their infancy, foldables have recently reached an unlucky peak. Panel procurements experienced their first ever year-over-year drop in Q3 2024.
According to the display analysts at DSCC, there will be a full year of reduction in 2025, thus this is clearly not an isolated incident.
Declining Sales Could Reshape Foldable Market
As stated in the DSCC report:
“After enjoying at least 40% growth per year from 2019-2023, DSCC now believes the foldable smartphone display market will rise just 5% in 2024 and fall by 4% in 2025. Demand has stalled at around 22M panels. Foldable smartphone display procurement was down 38% Y/Y in Q3’24 and is expected to be down Y/Y in four of the next five quarters”
For businesses relying on foldables, this appears to be terrible news.
The article predicts that Apple's next foldable iPhone will revolutionize the industry.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone Set to Debut in 2026
With the foldable iPhone rumored to debut in late 2026, DSCC predicts that year will set a new benchmark for foldables as Apple breathes new life into the category.
“Although the market has stalled and will decline for the first time on a panel procurement basis in 2025, there is reason for optimism. Apple is expected to enter the foldable market in 2H’26 and given their dominant position in flagship smartphones could generate significant growth for the foldable smartphone market. Any improvement in form factor, functionality, use cases, durability, etc. could drive new demand for this market. As a result, 2026 is expected to be a record year for foldables with over 30% growth and with over 20% growth projected for 2027 and 2028 as well.”
As reported by 9to5Mac, the foldable market is sure to be greatly affected by the release of Apple's foldable iPhone.
Rivals Face Pressure as Market Stagnates
Nevertheless, it becomes challenging to place all the expectations for a smartphone category on the iPhone. These competing smartphone manufacturers probably face a more serious issue than what Apple can handle on its own if the device has already reached its peak.
The demand for foldable devices would undoubtedly rise if the iPhone were foldable, but would it have much of an impact on Apple's rivals? The outcome will be determined by delays.
