iPhone Fold expected to fuel rebound in foldable phone panel shipments, per report

According to Counterpoint Research, Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market will help drive a strong rebound in foldable smartphone panel shipments this year. Here are the details.

Foldable phone panel shipments expected to grow 24%

In a report released today, Counterpoint Research says that Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market will help drive a 24% increase in foldable smartphone panel shipments this year, with revenues “expected to rise by around 48% YoY.”

Counterpoint notes that foldable smartphone panel shipments declined 7% during Q1 2026 compared with Q1 2025, “mainly due to brand inventory control and fewer new product launches.”

Per the report, BOE remained the market’s main supplier with 45% shipment share during Q1 2026, followed by Samsung Display with 22%, Visionox with 16%, TCL CSOT with 13%, and Tianma with 4%, after a whopping 578% YoY growth.

According to the latest rumors, Samsung Display will be the sole supplier of panels for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, a deal that should help the South Korean company build on its momentum from Q1 2026.

The report notes that Samsung Display’s shipments rose 37% year over year during the quarter, increasing its market share by seven percentage points.

Here’s Enze Qi, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint Research, on today’s report:

In-fold has moved from a secondary form factor to the mainstream, shifting from broad parity with clamshell in 2025 to a clear lead in 2026 as clamshell declines. The growth of in-fold is not entirely dependent on Apple; it is also being driven by productivity use cases, larger-screen experiences and stronger profitability.

While Apple will not be the only factor driving the shift toward in-fold devices, Counterpoint expects its launch to play a major role in the market’s rebound:

The full-year 2026 story can therefore be summarized as follows: H1 tests the bottom, while H2 tests the rebound. If Apple and Samsung successfully ramp new products and deliver on user experience, foldables will re-enter a growth cycle.

For Counterpoint Research’s full report, follow this link.