By 2026, a significant shift is expected in the foldable smartphone market in North America, with Apple projected to capture 46% of the total market share. This comes as the overall market is anticipated to grow by nearly 50%. In contrast, Samsung is forecasted to see its share decline dramatically from 51% to 29%, while Motorola is expected to fall from 44% to 23%.
Currently, Google Pixel holds about 5% of the foldable market, but this is set to decrease to 3% by next year. This decline, however, is the smallest among the major players, with Motorola and Samsung facing steeper drops of 48% and 43% respectively. The anticipated entry of Apple into the foldable segment is likely to create notable pressure on existing brands, as users may shift their preferences toward Apple's offerings.
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch in 2026, potentially attracting a large segment of current iPhone users who have held off on adopting foldable devices. This influx of new demand may alter the competitive landscape significantly, particularly as existing Android foldable users are also likely to consider transitioning to Apple's ecosystem.