Why Apple’s foldable entry could reshape a market still finding its footing
business-standard.com Sep 7, 2026

Why Apple’s foldable entry could reshape a market still finding its footing

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Foldable smartphones have occupied less than 2 % of global shipments since their debut in 2019, hindered by premium pricing and fragmented designs. Samsung’s early book‑style models and Motorola’s flip‑style Razr each launched above $1,400, limiting mass appeal. The segment reached 18.2 million units in 2025, up from 13.1 million in 2022, but remained niche. Apple is slated to release its first foldable device this month, featuring a wide‑format design that could unify the split market. Analysts anticipate Apple’s brand power and ecosystem integration to drive broader consumer interest and stimulate software development tailored to larger screens, potentially shifting foldables from a specialty product to a mainstream option.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · Apple’s entry could break the price barrier and standardize the form factor, prompting rapid ecosystem support and expanding the foldable market beyond early adopters.