The most recent speculation suggests that we are less than a year away from the debut of Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone. Given the recent trends in the foldable market, it appears that the timing for the iPhone Fold’s release is ideal.
## The iPhone Fold launch next year will have robust momentum backing it
Apple’s very first foldable iPhone is anticipated to be unveiled in fall 2026. It will serve as a fresh addition to the flagship iPhone lineup, reminiscent of how the iPhone Air was a completely new model this year.
When the iPhone Fold (or possibly iPhone Ultra) makes its entrance, Apple will undoubtedly be perceived as “late” to the foldable smartphone arena. After all, Samsung introduced its first foldable back in 2019. The iPhone Fold will emerge a full seven years afterward. Nonetheless, all indicators suggest that Apple’s launch timing is exceptionally favorable.
Counterpoint Research recently released a report on the foldable smartphone sector, which is experiencing what could be its first genuine breakout year.
> The US foldable smartphone sector is projected to grow by 68% year-on-year in 2025, as it enters a phase of strong growth following several years of exploration.
The last term, “exploration,” serves as a more optimistic way to describe the recent challenges faced by the market. For the initial years of foldables’ availability, experts anticipated substantial growth, yet consumers appeared relatively unenthusiastic about the offerings. As a result, foldables continued to occupy a niche space. This year, however, the landscape is shifting—and renewed momentum is likely to surge with Apple’s impending entry.
## After years of refinement, foldables are finally excelling
Counterpoint’s report provides an excellent summary of the current foldable momentum:
> “The US foldable market is transitioning from novelty to necessity,” stated Liz Lee, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research. “While Samsung maintains its lead in maturity and ecosystem robustness in 2025, Motorola’s swift growth in the clamshell segment and Google’s AI-focused strategies are transforming the competition. Apple’s eventual entry in 2026 will not only broaden the market but also solidify foldables as a mainstream premium smartphone format.”
What accounts for the sudden surge in foldable popularity? The general consensus is quite straightforward: the products have finally become genuinely impressive. Samsung has even suggested as much. While celebrating strong sales of its newest Galaxy Z Fold7, the company remarked: “Now in our seventh generation, we’ve incorporated consumer feedback year after year and reached a level of experience unattainable on any other device.”
In conclusion: when the iPhone Fold launches next year, some may argue that Apple is tardy to the category, but the market seems to strongly suggest that it’s arriving at just the opportune moment.
Do you concur that Apple’s timing with the iPhone Fold is perfect, or should it have introduced a foldable sooner? Share your thoughts in the comments.
