Apple has officially launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo. Featuring a book-style inward-folding design, the device comes with a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch cover display. TrendForce estimates that iPhone Duo shipments will reach approximately 5 million units in 2026, giving Apple a 24.8% share of the foldable smartphone market and making it the second-largest brand behind Samsung.
Global smartphone production reached 275 million units in 2Q26, down 8% YoY, according to TrendForce’s latest smartphone industry research. The decline was narrower than previously forecast, resulting in better-than-expected overall performance.
TrendForce’s recent research into the notebook industry shows that CPU supply has markedly improved since 2Q26, enabling brands to gradually normalize their procurement and manufacturing processes. Meanwhile, persistent increases in DRAM and SSD costs have led brands to accelerate their procurement strategies to secure components earlier, resulting in shipment volumes exceeding expectations in the first half of the year. Nonetheless, the ongoing rise in memory prices, along with increased CPU costs, has further amplified cost pressures on notebook brands.
TrendForce’s latest smartphone industry research indicates that Apple plans to adjust its product launch schedule starting in 2026, splitting new releases between fall and spring. This fall will see the debut of the flagship iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, along with the highly anticipated iPhone 18 Fold (tentative name), Apple’s first foldable smartphone. The standard iPhone 18 and other variants are expected to follow in the first quarter of 2027.
TrendForce’s latest display industry research reports that memory supply shortages and rising prices continue to intensify cost pressures across the smartphone supply chain, affecting smartphone brands’ shipment plans for 2026. However, sustained demand from the secondary and repair markets is supporting stronger-than-expected smartphone panel demand.
