Apple could become the No. 2 foldable phone brand in 2026

Apple could capture 25% of global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026 and enter the category in second place, according to a new Counterpoint Research forecast. That would put it behind Samsung at 32% and just ahead of Huawei at 24%.

The ranking is a projection, not a sales result. Apple still has not announced a foldable iPhone, and any launch details remain unofficial.

Apple could take one in four foldable shipments

Counterpoint expects global foldable phone shipments to grow 21% year over year in 2026. Apple’s possible arrival, stronger competition, and continued demand for premium book-style models are expected to drive that growth.

Here is how the research firm sees the market splitting this year:

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Brand	Forecast 2026 share
Samsung	32%
Apple	25%
Huawei	24%
Motorola	8%
HONOR	3%
Others	8%

Samsung would remain the leader, though its share is forecast to fall from 40% in 2025. Apple would land only one percentage point ahead of Huawei, so the fight for second place could be much closer than the headline suggests.

The forecast depends on an unannounced iPhone

Reports around Apple’s first foldable iPhone point to a book-style device that could arrive later in 2026. None of that has been confirmed by Apple.

Counterpoint believes larger foldable screens will become more useful as phone-based AI expands into document summaries, editing, scheduling, and tasks that move between apps. A wider inner display gives those tools more room to show content and controls together.

Samsung already has the advantage of a mature product line, retail reach, and years of foldable software experience. Its newly announced Galaxy Z Fold8 lineup also gives buyers more wide-screen options before Apple’s expected entry.

Apple does not need to overtake Samsung for its first foldable to reshape the market. Capturing anything close to the forecast 25% share would immediately make it a major competitor—but the actual result will depend on the phone arriving on time and convincing buyers at what is expected to be a premium price.