iPhone Fold: Why Android Users Should Be Excited About Apple’s Entry

Unless something unforeseen disrupts Apple’s plans, the company is expected to release its first foldable iPhone later this year, likely as part of the iPhone 18 series in September. For years, iPhone users have observed Samsung and other Android vendors introducing book-type foldable phones, and the arrival of an Apple-branded device is poised to significantly impact the market. However, analysis from Counterpoint Research suggests that Android vendors and consumers alike may quietly welcome the iPhone Fold, potentially boosting sales across the board.

Analysts predict that 2026 will be a pivotal year for book-type foldables, with devices like the iPhone Fold driving increased adoption and surpassing flip-type foldables in market share. Currently, flip-type foldables, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, dominate the foldable market. Counterpoint Research forecasts that book-type foldables will account for 65% of the overall foldable market this year, a substantial increase from 52% in 2025. This shift suggests the iPhone Fold will act as a catalyst, expanding the appeal of the book-type form factor.

This potential market shift could benefit Android users as well. The entry of Apple into the foldable space is expected to intensify competition, potentially leading Android vendors to lower prices on their own foldable smartphones. For example, Samsung is reportedly developing a crease-free display, a feature anticipated to be a key differentiator for the iPhone Fold. Samsung is rumored to be working on a wider-aspect-ratio foldable model, aligning its design more closely with the expected dimensions of the iPhone Fold.

What the foldable iPhone will have to offer

Counterpoint Research attributes a “meaningful role” to Apple in popularizing book-type foldable devices this year. The firm anticipates the iPhone Fold will have an aspect ratio of 1:1.414, resulting in a wider appearance compared to existing foldable phones. Previous reports have indicated potential display sizes of 5.5 inches for the cover display, and 7.8 inches for the unfolded display, which would position it closer to the size of an iPad mini than the taller, more rectangular form factor of the Galaxy Z Fold series. The analysts also suggest the foldable market is maturing, moving beyond initial “form-factor experimentation” towards enhancing user productivity.

This evolution is expected to manifest in optimized software experiences designed for foldable screens, with a focus on “multi-pane workflows” rather than simply mirroring single-app interfaces. Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold, which offers a standalone DeX mode with multi-window support and multiple desktops when unfolded, may serve as a preview of this trend. This functionality is currently unavailable on the Galaxy Z Fold7.

How much will the foldable iPhone cost?

While Counterpoint Research’s analysis doesn’t provide specific pricing details for the iPhone Fold, it acknowledges that cost will be a significant factor influencing its sales performance. The research suggests the iPhone Fold could potentially allow Apple to take the lead in the book-type foldable market, currently held by Samsung. However, the competition remains open, with Huawei also identified as a potential contender.

Other reports suggest the iPhone Fold could carry a price tag of up to $2,400, representing a $400 premium over the most affordable configuration of the Galaxy Z Fold7. While Apple may attract loyal iPhone users willing to pay a premium for a foldable iOS device, Android vendors could leverage this higher price point to their advantage. They may position their foldable handsets as more affordable alternatives, appealing to consumers who are not committed to either iOS or Android. Alternatively, they could modestly increase prices to boost revenue without alienating their existing customer base.

Counterpoint Research also notes that book-type foldables represent a premium segment of the mobile market, justifying potentially higher price tags, particularly given the ongoing memory shortage expected to drive up smartphone costs this year.

The foldable phone landscape is also expanding beyond Samsung and Apple. Motorola has already teased its first book-type foldable device, building on its existing portfolio of Razr Flip handsets. This expansion is particularly beneficial for U.S. Consumers, who currently have limited access to foldable devices from other Chinese vendors, including Huawei, Honor, Oppo, and Xiaomi.