Apple is set to introduce its foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, in 2026, with an anticipated shipment volume of 5 million units. This launch is projected to secure a 24.8% market share, establishing a three-way equilibrium alongside Huawei and Samsung. Predictions indicate that the total global shipments of foldable smartphones will reach 20.2 million units in 2026, marking a modest 0.5% year-on-year growth. Excluding Apple's impact, shipments from Android manufacturers are expected to see a year-on-year decrease of over 20%, a gap that Apple is poised to fill by leveraging its brand prestige and technological integration prowess. Apple's rigorous standards for core components will compel suppliers to undertake technological enhancements and scale up production, fostering advancements in boosting specifications and cost management within the industry, especially in refining hinge technology to tackle durability—a pivotal concern.

Moreover, the seamless integration of AI technology with foldable devices is poised to emerge as a fresh catalyst for growth, as the expansive interactive space of foldable screens perfectly complements the requirements of AI applications. The iPhone Duo will feature a deep integration of Apple Intelligence and Siri, with the synergy between the expansive foldable screen and AI transforming the device into a pivotal interface for AI applications. This will further solidify the competitiveness of Apple's ecosystem and offer valuable insights for the industry to delve into novel application scenarios.