Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable device. The phone opens and closes like a book, pairing a 7.6-inch main panel with a 5.4-inch outer screen.
TrendForce projects roughly 5 million units will ship in 2026. That translates to around 24.8% slice of the foldable market, placing Apple at number two behind Samsung.
Worldwide foldable shipments for 2026 should total 20.2 million units, a mere 0.5% gain over last year. Strip out Apple, and Android makers would move only about 15.2 million units together, a fall of over 20%. The cause is pricier parts, and most brands will likely match or fall short of last year’s numbers.
Samsung should stay on top with 7.1 million units and a 35.1% share. Huawei comes next at around 5 million units and 24.8%.
The iPhone Duo puts a premium on being sleek and tough. Its inner panel relies on 10 layers of ultra-thin materials plus a special surface treatment that makes the crease harder to spot. Grade 5 titanium forms the frame and hinge cover. The handset weighs about 254 grams and is 5.2 mm thick when open, 11.3 mm when shut.
To stay thin, Apple dropped the periscope telephoto lens. The 48 MP main camera covers 2x zoom instead, and Touch ID shifts to the side, replacing Face ID.
The phone ships with iOS 27, which upgrades Split View for running two apps, improves movement between the two screens, and adds layouts that shift with the folding angle.
TrendForce describes 2026 as a reset year for foldables. At present, iPhone Duo purchases are largely canceling out losses from rival brands. Further ahead, Apple’s demands for panels, ultra-thin glass, and hinges could drive faster supply chain expansion. It could also prompt Samsung and Chinese competitors to revisit their roadmaps.