Apple is set to release its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, starting at $1,999. The announcement came on September 9, seven years after Samsung launched its original Galaxy Fold. The Duo is expected to hit the market next month.
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According to Counterpoint Research, foldable devices made up about 1.4% of global smartphone samples in 2026, with expectations for growth of 20% in the foldable market by 2026. Apple is projected to capture 28% market share shortly after the launch. However, foldables currently only represent around 2% of the global smartphone market and a mere 1.13% in the U.S.
A survey by Recon Analytics indicated that only 2% of respondents would consider paying more than $1,800 for a foldable iPhone. Additionally, U.S. carriers are scaling back subsidies and trade-in offers, which could limit consumer uptake.
Speedtest data highlights the current standing of foldable smartphones, showing that they accounted for approximately 1.4% of all smartphone Speedtest samples globally in 2026 through early September. Adoption is varied across affluent countries, with South Korea leading at 9%, while Germany lags below 1%. Samsung dominates the foldable market, holding eight of the top ten foldable models in 2026. The Galaxy Z Fold7 alone represented nearly 25% of samples.
Foldable designs are evolving, with book-style folds making up 75% of global samples in 2026, while flip-style folds are losing a slight share. The battle for consumer preference may hinge on price, as Apple's premium pricing could hinder broader adoption of foldables.
When comparing foldables to traditional slab phones, foldable models like the Galaxy Z Fold8 exhibit faster network capabilities but also higher battery temperatures, as per Speedtest findings. The U.S. market saw foldables trending between 1-3% of smartphone sample shares this year.
The top foldable smartphones in global Speedtest samples through September 11, 2026, include the Galaxy Z Fold7 (24.2%), Z Fold6 (11.5%), and Z Flip7 (5.3%). Samsung maintained a commanding lead with 76.2% of foldable samples.
Analyzing their performance, the Galaxy Z Fold series showcases improvements over their slab counterparts, though device temperatures tend to be higher among foldables. As Apple enters this space, the competition is expected to intensify, and it remains to be seen how the iPhone Duo will perform in this niche yet growing market.