Foldable smartphone panel shipments are set for a major jump in 2026. The market is projected to grow 46 percent year over year, driven largely by Apple’s long-expected entry into foldable phones. The shift signals a turning point for a category that has struggled to move beyond niche demand.
At the center of this growth is Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The device is expected to use a book-style design, with an outer screen and a larger inner display that opens like a compact tablet. As a result, suppliers are preparing for higher volumes and more expensive panels as Apple ramps up production.
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At the same time, the broader foldable market is changing shape. Book-type designs are becoming the clear favorite, while more complex multi-fold panels remain a small niche. This transition favors suppliers that already dominate large, high-quality flexible displays.
Apple’s Entry Reshapes the Foldable Market
According to Counterpoint Research, Apple is now procuring panels for its first foldable iPhone, a move expected to lift the entire segment. Associate Director Guillaume Chansin said, “Apple is the key driver as it starts to procure panels for its first foldable iPhone.” He added that a foldable iPhone will “reinvigorate the broader market,” leading to strong shipment growth in 2026.
Meanwhile, Samsung Display is positioned to benefit the most. Counterpoint expects its panel market share to rise beyond 50 percent as book-type foldables dominate. Chansin noted, “We are moving into a new era where book-type foldables will be the main form factor.” He also said this shift will raise average selling prices for panels next year.
According to Counterpoint Research, consumer behavior already supports this trend. Associate Director Liz Lee said Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold outsold the Flip model during early sales in the second half of 2025, a first for the series. She explained, “Consumers want tablet-like productivity,” which is pushing buyers toward larger inner displays despite higher prices.
Looking ahead, Counterpoint expects foldable smartphone shipments to grow 14 percent in 2025 and 38 percent in 2026. Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to arrive around mid-September next year, marking a critical moment for the foldable market.
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