Foldable smartphones to see robust comeback in 2026 globally
Global foldable smartphone shipments in 2024 saw tepid growth at 2.9 per cent (year-on-year) but it is definitely not a sign of the market peaking, according to a new report
- NEW DELHI — Global foldable smartphone shipments in 2024 saw tepid growth at
2.9 per cent (year-on-year) but it is definitely not a sign of the market
peaking, according to a new report.
-
- Rather, it is a sign of regrouping before 2026, which is
expected to be exciting and rejuvenating for the segment with the entry of
Apple and a slew of clamshells, said Counterpoint Research’s latest ‘Global
Foldable Smartphone Market Forecast’.
-
- Although many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) saw double
and triple-digit growth, the market’s overall growth was impacted by Samsung’s
tough Q4 due to political instability, and OPPO cutting production of its more
affordable clamshell foldables.
-
- This year is expected to be even tougher, with Counterpoint forecasting
single-digit negative growth for the market in 2025.
-
- “I don’t see many positives this year and we are actually
expecting negative growth for the segment, which will be a first,” observed
senior analyst Jene Park.
-
- However, the report supports the growth view for 2026 with
the forecast of a mid-double-digit YoY growth in panel procurement.
-
- “The supply chain is telling us foldable order books are
filling up further out,” said Research Director Calvin Lee.
-
- “At the moment, this doesn’t look like a market that is
plateauing – it looks like a market that is about to transform. And that
requires a lot of planning, hence the slight pullback this year,” Lee added.
-
- Order books are signalling a massive 2026 turnaround on
Apple's entry and clamshell resurgence.
-
- Global foldable smartphone shipments declined 1 per cent in
the third quarter this year -- its first-ever Q3 decline -- as Samsung
reclaimed the top spot with a 56 per cent market share.
-
- The global foldable market appears to have entered a transitionary
phase where it is facing challenges as it progresses from a niche segment to
the mainstream.
