Apple will likely account for 25% foldable phone market share

Samsung is expected to remain the market leader with an estimated 32% market share, although that would represent a decline from 40% a year earlier as competition intensifies. Apple is forecast to debut with an impressive 25% share, placing it just behind Samsung in its very first year. Huawei is projected to garner 24%, while Motorola is expected to account for 8% of global shipments.

Recent supply chain reports also suggest Apple is increasingly confident about demand for its first foldable iPhone. The company has reportedly instructed suppliers to produce around 10 million units, up from an earlier forecast of 7 to 8 million, signalling higher-than-expected sales expectations ahead of launch.

Unlike many of today’s foldable smartphones, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is rumoured to adopt a wider, book-style design similar to the recently announced Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8. The device is expected to differentiate itself with two key hardware innovations: a nearly invisible display crease and a higher-quality hinge mechanism designed to improve durability and deliver a more seamless folding experience.

Apple is widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone later this year alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The foldable device is likely to command a premium price of above S$3,000.

Source: Counterpoint Research