Apple’s anticipated foldable iPhone is forecast to surpass 10 million units in its first year, according to research from IDC. The device, which adopts a passport-style foldable design, is expected to launch in September and command a premium price of $2,500.
The foldable smartphone category is projected to expand by 12.6% this year and 18% in 2027, even as the broader smartphone market faces a 16.7% decline, per IDC’s latest forecast. By 2027, Apple is anticipated to capture 40% of all foldable smartphone shipments, underscoring its growing influence in the premium segment.
Samsung Electronics pioneered the foldable smartphone segment seven years ago, but Apple’s entry is expected to redefine the category’s trajectory. Analysts highlight the device’s high price point as a key differentiator, targeting a niche of affluent consumers willing to pay for innovation.
IDC Senior Research Director Nabila Popal noted that while the $2,500 price tag is steep, demand is likely to remain strong among a select group of buyers. IDC researcher Francisco Jeronimo added that the rising cost of components—particularly those enabling AI capabilities—has pushed prices higher across the smartphone industry, signaling the end of the era of affordable devices.
The projections reflect a broader shift toward premiumization in the smartphone market, with foldable designs positioned as the next frontier for innovation and profitability.
