Apple’s iPhone Duo, the company’s first foldable smartphone, is scheduled for release in October 2026 and is projected to be the first truly global competitor to Samsung’s Galaxy Z lineup. A new TrendForce projection suggests strong initial sales could put Apple in second place in the global foldable phone market before the end of 2026.
iPhone Duo shipments could reshape the 2026 foldable market
TrendForce estimates Samsung will ship around 7.1 million foldable smartphones in 2026, giving the company a 35.1% market share as total foldable shipments are expected to reach 20.2 million units in 2026.
Apple is expected to ship approximately 5 million iPhone Duo units in the remainder of 2026 following the October release. If Apple reaches that volume, TrendForce projects Apple would capture a 24.8% share of the global smartphone market and slot in second place behind Samsung.
The analysis also notes that the competitive picture could change by 2027. It says Apple could overtake Samsung in the segment if it convinces a large number of existing iPhone loyalists to switch — a challenge Samsung has had to face when Apple entered the market.
