Apple and Huawei are set to become two of the biggest names in the foldable phone market in 2026. A new TrendForce forecast says Apple’s new iPhone Duo could ship around 5 million units this year, while Huawei is also expected to ship around 5 million foldable phones.
The forecast comes as Apple officially enters the foldable phone market and Huawei continues to expand its position with high-end foldable devices. The two companies could each account for about one-quarter of global foldable phone shipments in 2026.
Apple Could Quickly Become a Major Foldable Phone Player
Apple has now entered a market that has been led for years by companies such as Samsung and Huawei. Its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, gives Apple a new way to compete in the premium smartphone market.
TrendForce expects Apple to ship approximately 5 million iPhone Duo units in 2026. That would give Apple about a 24.8% share of the global foldable smartphone market, according to the latest forecast.
The timing is important because Apple is entering the market after other phone makers have already spent years working on foldable screens, hinges, battery life and durability. This means Apple can enter with a more mature foldable technology market rather than having to develop the category from the beginning.
The iPhone Duo is also positioned as a premium product. Its large internal screen is designed to give users more space for apps, video, work and other tasks while still allowing the device to be used as a regular phone when folded. Recent reporting puts its starting price at around $1,999 in the United States.
Huawei Is Also Expected to Reach Around 5 Million Units
Huawei has a very different position in the foldable market. The company has been making foldable phones for several years and has already developed multiple designs, including book-style phones and tri-fold devices.
TrendForce expects Huawei to ship around 5 million foldable phones in 2026 as well. The forecast places Huawei at roughly the same level as Apple in terms of expected unit shipments.
Huawei’s strength is especially important in China, where the company has built a strong position in premium smartphones. Its latest foldable products continue to focus on larger screens, advanced hinges and designs that can offer tablet-like screen space in a phone-sized device.
The company has also continued to develop its own hardware and software ecosystem. This gives Huawei a way to compete with Apple and other major phone makers even as the global foldable market becomes more crowded.
Apple and Huawei’s 2026 Foldable Forecast at a Glance
| Company | Foldable phone forecast for 2026 | Expected market position |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | About 5 million units | About 24.8% of the global foldable market |
| Huawei | About 5 million units | About 24.8% of the global foldable market |
| Apple and Huawei combined | About 10 million units | Roughly half of the market if the estimates are reached |
The figures are forecasts, not confirmed final sales. Actual shipments can change during the year because of production capacity, consumer demand, pricing and supply conditions. TrendForce’s estimate indicates that Apple and Huawei could together account for a very large part of the foldable phone market in 2026.
Why 5 Million Units Matters for Apple
Five million units would be a significant start for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, especially because foldable phones are still a small part of the overall smartphone market.
Apple is also entering at a high price point. That could limit the number of buyers compared with standard iPhones, but Apple’s large customer base gives the company a strong starting point. Analysts have also pointed to strong interest in the first foldable iPhone as a possible reason for high early demand.
Another important factor is Apple’s control over both hardware and software. The company can design iOS features specifically for the foldable display instead of simply adapting an existing phone interface.
This could help Apple make the extra screen space feel useful in everyday situations. Better multitasking, larger viewing areas and software designed for the folding design could become important reasons for customers to choose the device.
The Foldable Phone Market Is Becoming More Competitive
Apple’s arrival is likely to make competition in the foldable market even stronger. Huawei already has experience in this category, while Samsung remains one of the biggest established players.
Foldable phones have improved considerably since the first commercial models appeared. Manufacturers have worked on reducing screen creases, improving hinges, making phones thinner and increasing durability. However, foldables still face challenges such as higher prices, complicated designs and the need to balance battery life with a larger screen.
The competition in 2026 is therefore not only about selling more phones. Companies also need to convince buyers that a foldable phone offers enough extra value to justify its higher price.
- Apple is using its first foldable iPhone to enter the premium foldable market.
- Huawei is relying on years of experience with different foldable designs.
- Both companies are forecast to reach about 5 million units in 2026.
- Their expected shipments show how important foldable phones have become in the high-end smartphone market.
What This Means for the Foldable Phone Market
If TrendForce’s forecast is reached, Apple and Huawei could together ship around 10 million foldable phones in 2026. That would make their combined performance a major part of the global foldable market.
For Apple, the result will show whether its first foldable iPhone can quickly attract customers in a category where other brands already have years of experience. For Huawei, matching Apple’s expected shipment level would show that its existing position in the foldable market remains strong.
The wider market could also benefit from this competition. Stronger competition can push phone makers to improve screen quality, hinges, battery performance, software and overall design. At the same time, customers may get more choices as manufacturers compete for buyers.
Apple and Huawei Could Define a Major 2026 Foldable Battle
The latest TrendForce forecast puts both Apple and Huawei at around 5 million foldable phone shipments in 2026. Apple’s expected 24.8% market share would give its first foldable iPhone a strong position almost immediately, while Huawei’s similar shipment forecast highlights the company’s continued importance in the category.
The numbers should still be treated as forecasts rather than guaranteed sales. The final result will depend on production, pricing and how consumers respond to these expensive new devices. Even so, 2026 is shaping up to be an important year for foldable phones, with Apple and Huawei at the center of the competition.