AsianFin -- Apple is planning to release its first foldable iPhone in 2026, with a foldable iPad expected to follow in 2028, said analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities. Both devices will feature ultra-thin glass cover solutions, exclusively supplied by Corning.
Kuo predicts the foldable iPhone could see shipments of 8–10 million units in 2026, potentially rising to 25 million units in 2027. He anticipates that the foldable iPad will target the high-end market, offering a display size of 18–20 inches when unfolded while maintaining portability when folded. Given its unprecedented size, sales expectations for the foldable iPad are relatively conservative.
Earlier rumors suggested Apple’s foldable iPhone would use under-display fingerprint recognition, but Kuo considers this unlikely. He now expects side-mounted Touch ID, with Luxshare Precision supplying the fingerprint modules. Analysts suggest Apple’s choice is driven by extreme internal space optimization: the unfolded device may measure only 4.5–4.8mm thick, and folded 9–9.5mm, making a side-button fingerprint system more practical than Face ID.
Although Apple enters the foldable market later than competitors like Samsung and Huawei, its strong supply chain control and brand influence could redefine industry standards for foldable devices.
According to a recent IDC report, global foldable smartphone shipments are expected to reach approximately 19.83 million units in 2025, up 6.0% year-on-year. TrendForce predicts that Apple’s entry in 2026 could significantly boost interest and adoption among high-end consumers.
Currently, Samsung leads the foldable market, but TrendForce expects its global market share to decline from 45.2% last year to 35.4% in 2025 due to growing competition. Huawei is projected to maintain a strong performance in China, ranking second globally with a 34.3% market share. Honor and Lenovo (Motorola) are expected to increase their shares from 6.0% and 5.5% last year to 9.1% and 7.6%, respectively. Xiaomi, leveraging its MIX Flip series, could grow from 3.0% to 5.1% in 2025.
