A 'foldable iPhone' is predicted to raise the average price of foldable smartphones by 18%.
Research firm Counterpoint Research predicts that Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market will drive up the average selling price of foldable smartphones by 18%.
Apple's Expected Entry and Book-type Shift to Lift Global Foldable Smartphone ASP 18% YoY in 2026
iPhone Fold could help raise average foldable phone prices by 18% - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/02/iphone-fold-could-help-raise-average-foldable-phone-prices-by-18-per-report/
Rumors have long circulated that Apple is planning a foldable iPhone, and in fact, Apple filed a patent for a foldable smartphone back in 2017. Furthermore, code analysis has revealed that the iOS 27 framework includes code such as 'foldState' (folded state) and 'angleDegrees' (opening/closing angle), which is seen as a clear indication that Apple will soon release a foldable iPhone.
Clear signs suggesting a foldable iPhone is coming soon found in iOS 27 code - GIGAZINE
A foldable iPhone is expected to be announced in the fall of 2026, and if this happens, Counterpoint Research has published a report suggesting that the average selling price of foldable smartphones in 2026 will increase by 18% compared to the previous year.
The main shapes of foldable smartphones are the horizontally opening 'book type' and the vertically opening 'clamshell type.' Clamshell type smartphones, in particular, have seen increased production volume and a downward trend in average selling prices as more brands enter the market. On the other hand, book type smartphones often feature larger displays, better hinges, larger capacity batteries, and high-performance cameras, resulting in a continued rise in average selling prices for high-end models.
The graph below shows the average selling price over time for book-type (gray), clamshell-type (black), and all foldable smartphones (red). The average selling price of foldable smartphones in 2026 is projected to be 18% higher than in 2025 and 29% higher than in 2024. This clearly shows a significant increase in the average selling price of foldable smartphones in 2026.
The graph below shows the shipment figures for foldable smartphones by price range. In 2025, more than half of foldable smartphones were priced under $1,200 (approximately 193,000 yen), while shipments of $1,600 (approximately 258,000 yen) or more accounted for 33%. However, it is predicted that by 2026, shipments of $1,600 or more will account for 60%.
Counterpoint Research points out that Apple's foldable iPhone is the catalyst for this. Counterpoint Research explains, 'Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market is expected to maintain market attention in the high-price segment and further accelerate the upward trend in average selling prices. This will increase interest in software continuity, app support, and productivity across all categories of foldable smartphones, helping foldable smartphones establish themselves as a higher-value segment in the overall smartphone market.'
Liz Lee, associate director at Counterpoint Research, says, 'Foldable smartphones, positioned in a higher price range while OEMs ensure they have margins to absorb rising component costs, are attracting both price-less early adopters and premium users who are willing to pay for productivity, efficiency, and a better mobile experience. Large-screen foldable smartphones, especially book-style models, offer a relatively clear added-value opportunity in the smartphone market as a form factor well-suited for AI-powered multitasking.'
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in Hardware, Smartphone, Posted by logu_ii