TrendForce: Apple’s foldable device shipments in the first year are approximately 5 million units

According to TrendForce, Apple's first foldable phone, iPhone Duo, has been available for pre-order for less than a week, and some orders on the official website have already been delayed until January 2027. TrendForce estimates that global shipments of foldable phones will see a slight increase of 0.5% in 2026, with Apple’s first foldable iPhone expected to ship around 5 million units, capturing approximately 24.8% market share in its first year, and Apple's entry will accelerate the redistribution of brand market share.

Initial user feedback shows that the split-screen operation and screen experience after unfolding have been positively received, while the black edges of apps, button configuration, and fingerprint unlocking have increased adaptation costs. Reports of screen damage and high repair quotes have shifted the focus to reliability and ownership costs. TrendForce states that the visibility of creases on the iPhone Duo is relatively low, which is related to multi-layer material stress control and nano-texture optical optimization; the droplet-shaped hinge bears dynamic control, and insufficient retreat of the central support can lead to additional contact and stress concentration.

Apple has provided replacements for a small number of devices with abnormal inner screens, and subsequent engineering improvements are expected to focus on hinge travel, support height, fitting precision, and assembly tolerances. On the software side, some apps still have black edges and insufficient space utilization, and the large screen has also increased energy consumption management requirements. TrendForce believes that Apple's advantage lies in the integration of chips, systems, and developer ecosystems, with competition shifting from design innovation to multi-tasking efficiency.