
Apple's Bold Move: Aiming for 8-10 Million Folding iPhones by 2026, Far Outpacing Samsung!
2025-09-02
Author: John Tan
Apple Set to Revolutionize the Smartphone Market
In an exciting turn of events, Apple is ramping up its ambitions for foldable smartphones, with a new projection predicting a staggering 8-10 million units of its upcoming folding iPhone to be produced by 2026. This is more than triple the 2.4 million units Samsung hopes to sell of its recently launched Fold 7!
Insights from Industry Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo
According to renowned supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's plans for foldable devices have seen a significant boost. The revisions indicate a 20% increase in manufacturing forecasts for 2026 and a remarkable 40% bump for 2027, aiming for 20-25 million units. Kuo stated, "Apple recently revised its shipment forecasts for the foldable iPhone upward, showcasing their growing confidence in this innovative market segment."
Why the Foldable iPhone? A Patent Powerhouse!
With over 30 patents related to foldable technology, Apple has been quietly poised to enter the folding arena. The anticipation is building as fans eagerly await a potential reveal at the company's fall 2026 iPhone event. Could this mean Apple is ready to redefine how we interact with smartphones?
An Unfolding Rivalry: Apple vs. Samsung
In stark contrast, Samsung's Fold 7 is only expected to ship 2.4 million units, a modest increase over its previous model. The Fold 7, featuring an 8-inch foldable design, is Samsung’s answer to the rising demand for innovative phones, but Apple's ambitious target raises questions about consumer expectation and market competition.
A Game-Changing Experience Awaits
I’ve recently begun testing the Samsung Fold 7, and it’s easy to see why Apple is feeling bullish. With a design that folds down to nearly the size of an iPhone 16 Pro Max yet opens up to a mini tablet experience, the Fold 7 could serve as a glimpse into Apple's future endeavors. The capabilities of such devices—enabling multitasking akin to mini laptops and creative selfies—are a tantalizing hint at what a folding iPhone could offer.
The Future of Smartphones is Here!
As Apple gears up for what could be a monumental shift in smartphone design, the excitement surrounding foldable technology only grows. With innovative features and unprecedented flexibility, the folding iPhone could not just be a device but a revolution. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into this unfolding story!