Counterpoint expects Apple to sell 6 million foldable phones this year, saying the 18 Pro has a strong start in China.

Counterpoint Research has for the first time forecast sales for Apple's first foldable device, saying the iPhone Duo is poised to sell about 6 million units this year. Ivan Lam, a senior analyst at Counterpoint, said that figure is closer to the typical level of the niche foldable phone market than to sales levels of Apple's regular smartphones, and whether it can be achieved will depend on the company's ability to ramp up production of the new device. Market research firm IDC estimates that with Apple's help, foldable phone shipments will grow 13% this year to 22.9 million units. Without the iPhone Duo, this market would otherwise have shrunk, IDC said. According to Counterpoint, the iPhone 18 Pro series, which Apple released alongside the Duo this month, got off to a strong start in the Chinese market.