Apple Foldable iPhone to Ship 10 Million Units in First Year

Apple is set to unveil its first foldable iPhone at a product event on September 9, 2026, with market research firm International Data Corporation forecasting the device will ship more than 10 million units in its first year. The launch, expected at a price of roughly $2,500, comes as the global smartphone market faces a record decline, but analysts predict Apple's entry will revitalize the foldable category. According to IDC, the foldable iPhone is projected to capture about 40% of global foldable shipments by 2027. The device is anticipated to have an average selling price above $2,550, which is approximately $400 more than Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, priced at $2,099 in the United States. Samsung has dominated the foldable market for seven years, but Apple's entry is expected to shift the competitive landscape. IDC's senior research director, Nabila Popal, stated that the phone is aimed at a very elite set of consumers and is expected to be widely successful despite its high price. The launch occurs against a backdrop of a struggling smartphone industry. IDC has revised its forecast for 2026, now expecting global smartphone shipments to fall by a record 16.