IDC Forecasts 10 Million Foldable iPhone Sales in Year One at $2,500
IDC expects more than 10 million foldable iPhone shipments in the first year, with a price point of $2,500. This revival comes despite a category that was facing a double-digit decline.
According to IDC senior research director Nabila Popal, the passport-style Apple foldable will be successful among a "very elite set of consumers" despite its high price.
The forecast for foldables is positive: 12.6% growth this year and 18% next, with Apple capturing 40% of all foldable shipments by 2027.
However, the broader smartphone market is struggling. IDC revises its forecast to a record 16.7% decline this year due to memory shortages driving component costs higher.
Samsung currently dominates the foldable market with its Z Fold8 Ultra starting at $2,099 in the US—roughly $400 less than IDC’s Apple estimate.
In Europe, the new iPhone will come with an energy label, outlining its repairability, battery endurance, and drop resistance rating. This is due to regulations requiring these features for all smartphones sold in the EU since June 2025.
Currently, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max scores mid-table in these categories compared to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. The new foldable iPhone will publish its durability score alongside its price on the day of announcement.