Report: iPhone Ultra set to account for 25% of foldable smartphone shipments in 2026

Counterpoint Research is out with a new report forecasting 21% year-over-year growth in global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026, with Apple expected to capture a 25% share following its entry into this market. Here are the details. Apple could account for one in four foldable smartphone shipments in 2026 In a report published this week, Counterpoint Research forecasts that Samsung will retain its lead in global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026, despite its share falling from 40% in 2025 to 32%. Apple is expected to debut in second place with a 25% share, narrowly ahead of Huawei at 24%, down from 30% last year. Motorola is projected to follow with 8%, down from 12%, while HONOR’s share is expected to fall from 7% to 3%. Other brands are forecast to account for the remaining 8%, compared with 11% in 2025. Across the market, Counterpoint expects Apple’s entry to help drive a 21% year-over-year increase in global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026, “intensifying competition in the premium book-type foldable segment.” From the report: “A wider book-type design could become more relevant as AI features move beyond chat-based interactions into everyday workflows. Tasks such as summarizing documents, editing content, managing schedules and moving information across apps all benefit from more screen space and a more flexible layout. For Samsung, a wider Fold model would offer a stronger canvas to show how foldables can support AI-assisted productivity in a more practical way.” The report comes on the heels of Samsung’s announcement of its next-generation foldables, led by the new passport-style Galaxy Z Fold8. Its shorter, wider design resembles the form factor rumored for Apple’s foldable iPhone Ultra, though Samsung mobile product chief Drew Blackard told Joanna Stern that any similarity is coincidental: To read Counterpoint Research’s full report, follow this link. Worth checking out on Amazon Geoffrey Cain – ‘Steve Jobs in Exile’ David Pogue – ’Apple: The First 50 Years’ MacBook Neo Logitech MX Master 4 AirPods Pro 3 AirTag (2nd Generation) – 4 Pack Apple Watch Series 11 Wireless CarPlay adapter FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.