Samsung Faces New Premium Rival
Key Highlights
- Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market.
- The company’s first foldable iPhone could be positioned as an “iPhone Ultra”, although Apple has not officially confirmed the product.
- Reports suggest the device could cost around $2,500, translating to more than ₹2 lakh in India before taxes and other pricing factors.
- Apple’s reported entry comes as the conventional smartphone market faces pressure, while foldable shipments continue to grow.
- Global foldable smartphone shipments are estimated to rise 12.6% to 22.9 million units in 2026.
- Samsung is expected to be Apple’s biggest competitor because of its established foldable-phone portfolio and experience.
- Apple could potentially accelerate mainstream adoption of foldable smartphones because of its large existing customer base. (The Economic Times Hindi)
News Story
Apple is reportedly preparing to make its entry into the rapidly developing foldable smartphone market, potentially setting up a major new competition with Samsung. The company’s first foldable iPhone has been the subject of several reports and leaks, with speculation that Apple could market the device under the iPhone Ultra name.
Apple has announced its September product event for September 9, where the next-generation iPhone lineup is expected to be unveiled. However, there is no official confirmation that a foldable iPhone will be launched at the event. The details surrounding Apple’s foldable device remain based on reports and industry speculation. (The Economic Times Hindi)
Foldable Market Defies Smartphone Slowdown
Apple’s potential entry comes at a time when the broader smartphone market is facing significant pressure. According to estimates cited in the report, global smartphone shipments could decline by 16.7% in 2026 to around 1 billion units. If realised, it would represent one of the industry’s sharpest annual declines.
The foldable segment, however, is following a different trajectory.
Global foldable smartphone shipments are projected to increase 12.6% in 2026 to around 22.9 million units. Growth is expected to continue in 2027, with shipments projected to rise by roughly 18%.
Although foldables still represent a relatively small portion of the overall smartphone market, Apple’s entry could provide a significant boost to the category. (The Economic Times Hindi)
Apple Could Quickly Gain Market Share
The potential scale of Apple’s customer base could give the company a major advantage when it enters the foldable segment.
According to IDC Vice President Francisco Jeronimo, Apple could potentially secure more than 30% of the global foldable smartphone market by next year. The analyst estimates that Apple could sell more than 3 million foldable phones in the initial year, with shipments potentially reaching around 10 million units during the first 12 months after launch. (The Economic Times Hindi)
Such a performance would be significant considering that Apple would be entering a market where several manufacturers already have years of experience.
The company’s large installed base of iPhone users could help it introduce foldable technology to consumers who have so far stayed with conventional smartphones.
Foldable iPhone Could Cost Over ₹2 Lakh
The biggest hurdle for consumers could be the expected price.
Reports cited by Economic Times Hindi suggest that Apple’s foldable iPhone could be priced at approximately $2,500. That would translate to more than ₹2 lakh, before considering local taxes, duties and Apple’s India pricing strategy. (The Economic Times Hindi)
Such a price would place the device firmly in the ultra-premium smartphone category.
Apple’s pricing strategy will therefore be closely watched. A high launch price could restrict the product initially to affluent consumers and technology enthusiasts, but the company’s brand strength could still allow it to create substantial demand.
Samsung Remains The Biggest Challenge
Samsung is expected to be Apple’s most important competitor in the foldable smartphone market.
The South Korean company entered the foldable segment several years ago and has already launched multiple generations of foldable devices. Its experience covers key areas such as foldable display technology, hinge mechanisms, device design and software optimisation.
Apple, by contrast, would be entering the segment as a newcomer.
However, Apple does not necessarily need to immediately overtake Samsung in unit sales to have a major impact. Its larger ecosystem and loyal customer base could help expand the overall foldable market.
The arrival of Apple could also encourage more consumers to consider foldable devices, potentially turning the category from a niche premium segment into a more mainstream smartphone option. (The Economic Times Hindi)
A New Battle In Premium Smartphones
Apple’s potential foldable iPhone represents more than the launch of another smartphone model. It could mark a significant shift in the company’s product strategy and create a new competitive battle in the premium smartphone market.
Samsung currently has the advantage of years of experience, while Apple could bring its ecosystem, brand recognition and enormous customer base to the category.
The reported $2,500 price tag also highlights the premium positioning expected for Apple’s first foldable device. Whether consumers are willing to pay more than ₹2 lakh for a foldable iPhone will be an important test for the company.
For now, Apple has not officially confirmed the launch date, name, specifications or price of its first foldable iPhone. Until the company makes an announcement, details about the device should therefore be treated as reported or expected specifications rather than confirmed product information. (The Economic Times Hindi)
