Apple’s first foldable iPhone could capture nearly 30% of the global foldable smartphone market in 2027, putting it close behind Samsung just over a year after its debut. According to a new TrendForce report, the iPhone Duo is expected to account for 29.8% of global foldable shipments next year, up from a projected 24.8% in 2026.
The research firm estimates Apple will ship approximately five million iPhone Duo units by the end of 2026, despite the overall foldable market growing just 0.5% this year.
Apple Could Nearly Match Samsung’s Foldable Market Share
TrendForce expects Samsung to maintain its lead in 2027, although its market share could decline as Apple gains ground. Huawei is also expected to lose share, leaving Apple firmly in second place.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
| Manufacturer | 2026 Forecast | 2027 Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | 35.1% | 31.9% |
| Apple | 24.8% | 29.8% |
| Huawei | 24.8% | 21.3% |
Global foldable smartphone shipments are projected to reach 23.5 million units in 2027, representing 16.3% annual growth.
Meanwhile, early demand for the iPhone Duo has been encouraging, with some delivery estimates extending into January 2027 shortly after preorders opened.
Display Reliability and Software Remain Major Challenges
Despite strong demand, Apple’s foldable faces several challenges. Early users have praised its larger display and multitasking features, although some applications still show black borders or fail to use the available screen space properly.
Hardware reliability has also attracted attention following reports of cracked inner displays. Apple has acknowledged the issue and offered replacements for affected units, while teardown findings suggest the hinge’s central support mechanism could contribute to display damage.
TrendForce believes Apple’s control over its processors, operating system, and developer ecosystem will help improve the experience as developers optimize applications for the foldable screen.
The research firm expects future competition to focus increasingly on practical multitasking, app compatibility, and display durability.
For Apple, meeting its projected 29.8% market share will depend on maintaining demand while improving production capacity and addressing the early problems affecting its first foldable iPhone.
Discussion