DIGITIMES observes that the global smartphone market has entered a mature phase. Although foldable smartphones continue to post strong growth, foldable shipments are projected to account for less than 3% of total smartphone shipments in 2026, with high prices, the crease, software compatibility, and repair costs limiting further market penetration. In the first year of the iPhone Duo’s launch, Apple is projected to challenge market leader Samsung Electronics with a 25.9% share, flipping the existing market-share structure. iPhone Duo's competitive advantages center on inner-display flatness, interface support for third-party apps, and ongoing serviceability. It will not only give existing iPhone users a foldable product option on the same platform but also extend Apple's high-end product portfolio.
The global smartphone market has shifted from rapid growth to a mature phase, with momentum from new users weakening. Shipments fell 15.4% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2026, while higher memory prices added pressure to the end market. By comparison, foldable smartphones have moved from the introduction phase into the growth phase, with global shipments projected to account for less than 3% of total smartphone shipments in 2026. However, the strong growth in foldable shipments is based on a low comparison base and is not yet sufficient to alter the overall smartphone shipment structure in the near term. Foldable smartphones therefore remain a high-growth, low-penetration niche product at this stage.
This report covers the product cycle and market position of foldable smartphones, as well as the specifications and usage scenarios of three major foldable form factors. It also discusses how the iPhone Duo may impact the sector.
The mature smartphone market contrasts with high foldable growth and low penetration
Chart 1: Smartphone and foldable smartphone product life cycles and market positioning comparison
Tri-foldable smartphones remain at an early stage of market development
Chart 3: Market positioning and characteristics matrix for three foldable smartphone form factors
Chart 4: Structure, advantages, and limitations of the three foldable smartphone form factors
Book-style foldables are maturing, but demand remains uneven
iPhone Duo targets existing pain points to strengthen book-style foldable experience
Chart 5: Prices and specifications of the latest products from major foldable smartphone brands
Apple's entry can potentially expand foldable smartphone market
Chart 6: Global foldable smartphone shipments and year-over-year growth, 2023-2027 (m units)
Chart 7: Global foldable smartphone brand shipments forecast, 2026 (m units)
Chart 8: Apple iPhone net sales and year-over-year growth, 1Q24-3Q26 (million US$)
