[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market in the second half of 2026, with a sales target of 10 million units in the first year. 

 

 

According to global ICT industry sources, the company is also aiming to expand this figure to 22 million units by 2027.



Apple’s entry is expected to reinvigorate the foldable phone market, which has seen slowing growth in recent years. Market research firm DSCC forecasts that the global foldable smartphone market could grow by over 30% in 2026 following Apple's launch.



Industry observers suggest that Samsung Display is the leading candidate to supply foldable OLED panels for the upcoming foldable iPhone. Known for its advanced display technologies, Samsung Display is recognized for minimizing crease lines in foldable screens—a critical advantage in this segment.

 

 

Notably, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Samsung Display is preparing to establish production capacity for 7 to 8 million foldable panels per year specifically for Apple's device.

 

 

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics is planning to take foldable innovation a step further by launching a tri-folding phone by the end of this year, signaling the next evolution in foldable devices.

 

 

 

 

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