Apple's anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market is poised to significantly impact the industry, with a projected 46% year-on-year growth in global shipments of foldable panels in 2026, according to Counterpoint Research. This surge in demand is attributed to Apple's foray into the foldable market, marking a pivotal moment in the smartphone industry. The company's decision to source panels for its first foldable iPhone is expected to reignite interest in foldable devices, potentially leading to a sharp increase in demand across the supply chain and higher average selling prices next year. Counterpoint predicts that Samsung Display will emerge as the biggest beneficiary, with its market share reaching a projected 57% in 2026. The book-style foldable design, characterized by large, inward-folding screens, is expected to solidify its dominance, catering to consumers seeking enhanced productivity and larger display areas. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 has already demonstrated this trend, with early sales figures showing the Fold model outperforming the clamshell-style Flip model. Similar trends are observed in China, where consumers are increasingly prioritizing larger foldables, despite higher prices. On the supply side, panel makers are anticipated to experience uneven growth, with BOE facing an 8% year-on-year decline in shipment share, while Visionox is forecast to grow by 8%. TCL CSOT is expected to grow by 47%, and Tianma may witness a remarkable 580% year-on-year surge. Counterpoint estimates that overall foldable smartphone shipments will grow by 14% in 2025 and 38% in 2026, underscoring the market's potential for significant growth and innovation. As Apple's foldable iPhone approaches, the industry is poised for a transformative boost in both volume and technological advancement. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the tech world.
