Apple is projected to capture 29.8% of the global foldable smartphone market by 2027, according to a report from TrendForce. The forecast follows the recent launch of the iPhone Duo, which analysts say could shift industry competition from hardware form factors toward multitasking efficiency and software integration.
Apple captures nearly 30% of foldable market by 2027
TrendForce reiterated its projections this week after the iPhone Duo had been shipping for nearly seven days. The firm expects Apple to secure second place in the global foldable segment by 2027, trailing only Samsung.
The report suggests Apple’s primary edge is the integration of its own chips, operating systems, and developer ecosystem. As hardware reliability and app compatibility increase, the iPhone Duo is expected to expand the practical utility of foldable screens, 9to5Mac reported.
TrendForce previously predicted that Apple would ship 5 million units of its first foldable by the end of 2026, representing a 24.8% market share. At that time, the firm anticipated the overall foldable market would grow by only 0.5% in 2026, with Android-based shipments falling by more than 20% year-over-year.
Did you know? TrendForce projects the total foldable smartphone market will reach 23.5 million shipments in 2027, marking a 16.3% increase.
Samsung and Huawei face projected share declines
While Apple gains ground, established foldable leaders are expected to see their market slices shrink. TrendForce forecasts Samsung’s share will drop from 35.1% in 2026 to 31.9% in 2027. Huawei is projected to fall from 24.8% to 21.3% in the same period.
Other analysts provide slightly different figures for the immediate term. Counterpoint Research expects Apple to take a 25% share of the 2026 market, while Samsung remains the leader with 38% and Huawei trails at 22%, Electronics Weekly reported.
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| Company | 2026 Projected Share | 2027 Projected Share |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | 35.1% | 31.9% |
| Apple | 24.8% | 29.8% |
| Huawei | 24.8% | 21.3% |
Wide foldables drive display shipments higher
The shift toward “wide foldables” is expected to spark a 44% increase in foldable AMOLED display shipments in 2026, according to Omdia. This trend is driven by devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the iPhone Duo, both of which utilize display panels provided by Samsung, Omdia reported.
The wider form factor is a departure from the tall, narrow design of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Omdia predicts Samsung’s share of foldable display shipments could grow to 66% in 2026, while shipments for current Chinese manufacturers may decline as demand for Apple and Samsung devices rises.
iPhone Duo market questions
Will the iPhone Duo be the most popular foldable?
Not immediately. TrendForce projections place Apple in second place by 2027, with Samsung maintaining the top spot at a projected 31.9% market share.
Who manufactures the screens for the iPhone Duo?
Samsung provides the display panels for the iPhone Duo, according to reporting from Omdia.
What is driving the growth of the foldable market?
TrendForce attributes future growth to improvements in foldable technology and the introduction of new AI use cases that increase consumer demand.
Motorola is expected to launch a similar foldable to compete with the size and shape Apple landed on for its first foldable iPhone, Omdia reported.
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