According to the latest forecast by research firm Counterpoint Research, global shipments of foldable smartphone panels are expected to surge by 46% year-on-year in 2026, with Apple’s anticipated entry into the foldable phone market seen as a major catalyst for this growth. Counterpoint analyst Guillaume Chansin pointed out that Apple’s initiation of panel procurement for its inaugural foldable iPhone will act as a pivotal force in this market segment, significantly stimulating demand throughout the entire foldable device supply chain. Leveraging its advanced technological know-how and robust production capabilities, Samsung Display is projected to secure a 57% share of the global foldable smartphone panel market in 2026, emerging as the primary beneficiary. The performance of other suppliers shows a mixed picture: BOE’s market share is expected to decline by 8% year-on-year, Visionox’s is set to rise by 8%, TCL CSOT’s is projected to jump by 47%, and Tianma’s is anticipated to achieve a remarkable 580% year-on-year growth. Furthermore, larger foldable screens are gradually becoming the preferred choice in the market, driving a substantial increase in the average selling price of foldable panels in 2026 and further widening profit margins for supply chain companies. Regarding product design, the left-right folding configuration is expected to further cement its leading position in 2026, as consumers increasingly prioritize its “tablet-like productivity” and large-screen user experience.