Our Bureau
New Delhi
India’s foldable smartphone market is poised for a major shift as Apple prepares to launch its first foldable iPhone later this year, intensifying competition in a segment currently dominated by Samsung. Industry analysts estimate that cumulative foldable smartphone shipments in India will cross three million units by the end of 2026, with annual shipments expected to exceed 650,000 despite an overall slowdown in the smartphone market.
Samsung, which pioneered the foldable category in India in 2019, currently commands nearly 89 per cent of the market. In anticipation of Apple’s arrival, the South Korean technology giant has unveiled three new Galaxy Z-series foldables, priced between ₹1.24 lakh and ₹2.59 lakh, in a bid to strengthen its leadership in the premium segment.
Counterpoint Research projects the foldable segment to grow around eight per cent in 2026 even as India’s overall smartphone market is expected to contract by 13–14 per cent. Foldable devices account for only a small share of total smartphone volumes but contribute significantly by value because of their high average selling price of nearly $1,800—about five times the average smartphone price.
Industry experts believe Apple’s entry will initially have a limited impact, with its foldable iPhone expected to capture less than one per cent of India’s foldable installed base this year due to its late launch. However, the company’s presence is expected to accelerate consumer interest, attract premium buyers and expand the category over the coming years.
Samsung is also banking on improved durability, slimmer designs and artificial intelligence-powered features in its latest foldables to retain customers. Analysts note that while rising memory chip prices may keep premium devices expensive, increasing competition from Apple and other manufacturers such as Motorola is likely to drive innovation and broaden consumer choice in India’s rapidly evolving foldable smartphone market.
