Apple is Unlikely to Release a Foldable Phone Before 2027 [TrendForce]

Apple is unlikely to release a foldable phone before 2027, according to a new report from TrendForce.

The firm expects shipments of foldable phones to reach 17.8 million units this year, accounting for only 1.5% of the smartphone market. That penetration is projected to increase to 4.8% by 2028. Currently, Samsung has about 50% of the foldable market, followed by Huawei at around 30%, and Motorola at about 6%.




Apple has been working on a foldable iPhone for years; however, TrendForce believes it is still evaluating components and performance.

Rumors about Apple entering the foldable phone market continue to circulate. TrendForce notes that Apple is still evaluating component specifications and performance, with strict requirements for crease and reliability. Apple is unlikely to release a foldable phone before 2027, but its entry could significantly shift market dynamics.

Today's report appears to corroborate an earlier one from The Elec, that claimed Apple could launch its first foldable device by as early as 2026-2027. The foldable would purportedly be in the 7-inch to low 8-inch range, but it's unclear if it will be an iPhone or iPad device.

More recently, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that Apple's only foldable product with a clear development schedule is the 20.3-inch MacBook, expected to enter mass production in 2027.


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