Foldable phones continue to evolve, largely leaving behind the thick bodies and durability concerns of their first generations. Most recently, Counterpoint shared its forecasts for the foldable phone market for 2026. While 2025 is expected to be more of a recovery and inventory balancing year for foldable phones, a more aggressive growth is anticipated in 2026.
The Transition to Mainstream Has Accelerated
By 2026, the foldable market is expected to enter a new and more sustainable growth phase. The most striking change in the segment is the rise of book-style models. According to current data, this segment accounts for 52% of total foldable sales. This rate is expected to increase to 65% in 2026.
Furthermore, advancements in hardware, thinner designs, and improved hinge systems have transformed consumer perception. These devices are no longer just "innovative" but have become serious productivity-focused alternatives. The report also emphasizes that Apple's foldable iPhone model, expected to be introduced in the fall, will play a critical role. Apple's entry into the market could both boost overall sales and bring the foldable segment to a wider audience.
On the other hand, clamshell models have not been completely pushed into the background. However, book-style horizontal foldable models, in particular, could gain stronger momentum by 2026, thanks to both brand diversity and form factor transformation. The main question is how balanced this growth will be on the price front.
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