Apple is set to enter the foldable smartphone market, sparking a sharp rise in global panel shipments projected for 2026. According to Counterpoint Research, foldable phone panel shipments worldwide are expected to grow by 46% annually next year, driven largely by Apple’s launch of its first foldable iPhone.
Apple has started sourcing display panels for its foldable device, a move anticipated to rekindle both industry and consumer interest in the foldable category. Counterpoint notes that Apple’s entry could trigger a domino effect, boosting demand across the supply chain and increasing the average selling price (ASP) of foldable panels.
Dominance of Samsung Display in Foldable Panels
Samsung Display is forecasted to benefit the most from this market expansion. Its market share for foldable panels is expected to reach 57% by 2026, reinforcing its position as the leading foldable panel supplier globally. This stronghold is supported by advanced technology and well-established production capabilities.
Shifting Consumer Preferences to Book-Style Foldables
Consumer design preferences are evolving, with book-style foldables gaining ground. These devices provide large, inward-folding screens, which are favored for productivity and enhanced visual experience over smaller clamshell models. This shift has become clearer since mid-2025.
Sales data support this trend; the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 outperformed the Galaxy Z Flip series in early sales—marking the first time a foldable with a larger screen has topped clamshell-type sales. This pattern is mirrored in China, where consumers increasingly choose bigger foldable displays despite higher prices.
Varied Growth Prospects Among Panel Suppliers
Not all foldable panel manufacturers are expected to grow equally. BOE’s shipment share may drop by 8% yearly, whereas Visionox is forecasted to grow by 8%. TCL CSOT could see a significant surge of 47%, and Tianma might experience an extraordinary increase of 580%, though from a smaller base.
Market Growth Projections
Counterpoint projects a 14% shipment growth for foldable smartphones in 2025, accelerating to 38% growth in 2026. Apple’s first foldable iPhone will act as the primary catalyst for this jump, expanding market volume and pushing innovation further.
Summary of Key Growth Drivers
- Apple’s foldable iPhone stimulating renewed market interest
- Samsung Display securing leadership with 57% market share
- Consumer preference shifting towards book-style foldables
- Diverse growth trends among panel suppliers, with Tianma and TCL CSOT showing high growth potential
With these factors aligned, the foldable smartphone market is entering a significant growth phase. The combination of rising consumer demand, evolving design trends, and major players like Apple joining the segment is shaping a vibrant future for foldable devices.
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