IDC Forecasts Over 10 Million Foldable iPhone Shipments in First Year

Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone on September 9, a move that Bloomberg reports has prompted IDC to project strong sales in the device’s first year. According to IDC senior research director Nabila Popal, Apple could ship more than 10 million foldable iPhones in 2024, despite a rumored price point of roughly $2,500 for the book‑style model.

The announcement will take place at Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event, where analysts anticipate the company will reveal a book‑style foldable iPhone with a passport‑like aspect ratio. The device’s high price is unlikely to deter demand, according to IDC’s optimistic outlook. For context, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, which shares a similar aspect ratio, starts at $1,899 for the 256‑GB, 12‑GB‑RAM configuration.

IDC’s forecast comes alongside a recent Counterpoint Research report that predicts book‑style foldables will account for 76 % of global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026, up from 52 % in 2025. The report also projects overall foldable market growth of 21 % year over year, driven in part by Apple’s entry. Counterpoint estimates that Samsung will hold a 40 % share of the foldable market in 2025, dropping to 32 % in 2026, while Apple is projected to capture 25 % of shipments in 2026.

While Counterpoint’s figures cover only the 2026 calendar year, IDC’s estimate of more than 10 million shipments refers to the full first year of availability for the foldable iPhone. Both sets of data suggest a positive reception for Apple’s new device, with IDC noting that the launch will help prevent a double‑digit decline in foldable sales this year. IDC forecasts the foldable segment to grow 12.6 % in 2024 and accelerate to an 18 % increase in 2025.

Looking further ahead, IDC projects that Apple will eventually account for 40 % of all foldable shipments by 2027. The company’s entry is expected to boost the category’s growth trajectory and support the broader smartphone market as consumers seek high‑end, innovative devices.

Bloomberg’s report, which cites IDC’s senior research director, provides the full details of the research and the assumptions behind the 10 million‑shipment estimate. Analysts remain cautious about the long‑term viability of foldable smartphones, but the combined forecasts from IDC and Counterpoint suggest that Apple’s first foldable iPhone could play a significant role in the category’s evolution.