Experts believe these new devices, especially Apple’s model, will give the category a major boost.

IDC reports that foldables may see nearly 30% year-on-year growth as more brands prepare new launches. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Trifold, arriving in early 2026, is expected to push the market forward with its tri-fold design and the momentum of the Galaxy Z Fold7.

Nabila Popal from IDC said the coming year will be exciting, noting that Huawei’s HarmonyOS Next foldables may almost double their shipments in 2026. However, she added that Apple’s entry late in the year will be the real turning point, with Apple projected to capture over 22% of unit share and 34% of total market value with an expected average price of $2,400.

Francisco Jeronimo from IDC said Apple’s launch will likely raise global awareness of the category, increasing consumer interest. He noted that while foldables will remain a niche in volume, they will deliver huge value because their selling prices are three times higher than regular smartphones.

Read more: Chinese phone makers shelve slim-phone plans after iPhone

As users keep their phones for longer and upgrade cycles slow down, the industry needs innovation to drive replacement demand. Foldables and tri-folds are becoming essential for growth, with the category expected to expand at a 17% CAGR through 2029, compared with under 1% for traditional smartphones.

The smartphone industry has slowed down, so companies need new ideas to attract buyers. Foldables are giving the market a fresh push. Apple’s entry is important because its products usually create strong demand. If more brands follow, foldables may become a major trend in the coming years.