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

A new report from Counterpoint Research indicates a major shift in the foldable smartphone market for 2026. The data forecasts a 21 percent increase in total global shipments for this segment as manufacturers push into new hardware categories.

Apple is set to enter the market with its anticipated iPhone Ultra. Analysts expect the company to capture 25 percent of the global market share almost immediately upon launch. This projection places Apple in the second position globally, trailing behind Samsung.

Samsung maintains its top spot in the industry with an estimated 32 percent share, though this reflects a decrease from previous years as competition heats up. Huawei is expected to follow closely behind Apple with a 24 percent share, while other brands like Motorola and Honor are forecast to account for smaller portions of the overall market.

Experts note that the expansion of the foldable category is largely driven by the practical benefits of larger screens for AI-driven workflows. Larger displays provide a better interface for managing tasks, editing content, and viewing data across apps. As these productivity features become standard, the demand for hardware that supports flexible layouts continues to grow.

While the market continues to expand, the competition in the premium segment is reaching a new peak. With Apple poised to secure a significant portion of shipments in 2026, the industry is preparing for a shift in how these devices support everyday professional tasks.