Flip Phones Surge as Apple Eyes Foldable Entry in 2026
BREAKING: Flip phones are making a comeback, shaking up the smartphone market as new reports confirm that Apple is eyeing a foldable phone launch in September 2026. Companies like Samsung and Motorola are already gaining traction, igniting a fresh wave of innovation among consumers.
The foldable trend is gaining momentum, with the latest models from Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, seeing a remarkable 25% increase in preorders compared to previous generations. This surge reflects a broader shift in the US market, where Canalys reports that Samsung’s smartphone shipments soared by 38% year-over-year in Q2 2023. Meanwhile, Google experienced a 13% increase, and Motorola saw a 2% rise.
Despite the excitement, Apple remains a notable absence in the foldable phone race. According to a July analyst note from J.P. Morgan, Apple is expected to enter the market with a book-style foldable iPhone as part of its iPhone 18 lineup, priced at around $1,999. Analysts believe this move could significantly boost foldable phone adoption in the US.
“There is quite a bit of buzz around this,” said Forrester analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee. “If Apple offers a foldable, it will unlock much greater levels of adoption in the US market.” For now, the iPhone continues to dominate, with five of the top ten best-selling smartphones globally being iPhones in Q1 2025.
While flip phones currently represent only 1% to 2% of the overall smartphone market, the innovation sparked by Samsung and Motorola is pushing the boundaries. Apple’s strategy appears to prioritize observation over haste, following a path similar to its successful entry into the smartwatch market with the Apple Watch, which now commands 20% of global shipments.
As the foldable phone trend unfolds, all eyes are on Apple. Will its entry transform the landscape further?
Stay tuned as this story develops, and brace yourself for an exciting new chapter in smartphone technology!
