iPhone Fold to Drive Foldable Phone Prices Up 18% in 2026

Apple's entry into the burgeoning foldable smartphone market is projected to significantly impact prices, with a new report from Counterpoint Research predicting an 18% surge in the average selling price (ASP) of foldables in 2026. The anticipated 'iPhone Fold,' potentially named 'iPhone Ultra,' is expected to be a key driver of this increase, particularly as book-type foldable models continue to command higher prices.

Counterpoint Research forecasts that the average price for a foldable smartphone will reach $1,485 in 2026, marking an 18% rise from 2025 and a substantial 29% increase compared to 2024 figures. This upward trend is largely attributed to the diverging market trajectories of the two primary foldable form factors: book-type and clamshell. Book-type foldables, which are expected to house the larger displays and advanced features of the iPhone Fold, are seeing their average selling prices climb. Conversely, clamshell models are predicted to fall below their 2024 average prices.

Market Dynamics Shift for Foldable Form Factors

The report details how clamshell foldables have become more accessible as manufacturers have scaled up production and more brands have entered the market. This has brought their prices closer to those of premium traditional bar-type smartphones. In contrast, book-type foldables are maintaining their position at the higher end of the market. This is due to the integration of larger, more immersive displays, enhanced hinge mechanisms, larger battery capacities, improved camera systems, and features geared towards productivity.

As book-type models increasingly represent a larger share of total foldable shipments, they are inevitably driving the overall average selling price higher. The analysis indicates a significant shift in consumer spending within the foldable segment. Counterpoint expects the proportion of foldables priced between $1,600 and $2,000 to nearly double, rising from 30% in 2025 to an anticipated 58% in 2026. Meanwhile, sales of models priced at $2,000 or more are projected to decrease slightly, slipping from 3% to 2% of the market.

The upcoming iPhone Fold is expected to debut within this premium price bracket. Independent analysis from IDC recently predicted an average selling price of $2,500 for the device, with some configurations potentially reaching as high as $3,000. This positioning by Apple is seen as a strategic move to capitalize on and further elevate the perception of foldables as high-value devices.

According to Counterpoint, "Apple’s entry in the foldable market is also expected to further boost the upward ASP trend by keeping market attention on high-priced segments." The research firm added that this heightened focus will stimulate greater interest in software continuity, robust app support, and enhanced productivity features across all foldable categories. Ultimately, this is anticipated to solidify foldables as a premium, high-value segment within the broader smartphone market, differentiating them significantly from conventional devices.