The foldable smartphone market has seen a significant slowdown in growth, according to a recent report by Display Supply Chain. After experiencing explosive growth over the past few years, with double-digit percentage points, the market is now expected to only grow by five per cent in 2024 and decline by four per cent in 2025. This decline is attributed to a lack of competition in the market and manufacturers struggling to tap into potential markets outside of Europe and Korea.
Currently, Samsung and Huawei dominate the foldable smartphone market, with other competitors like Google, Honor, and Motorola not yet posing a threat. The latest models from Samsung and Huawei, such as the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Mate X6, have not met expectations, leading to a decrease in demand for foldable displays. The market has failed to expand to regions like China and the USA, further contributing to the decline in growth.
However, there is hope for the future of foldable smartphones with Apple expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone in 2026. Display Supply Chain believes that Apple’s entry into the foldable market will reignite user interest and revitalize the market. The iPhone Fold is rumored to be unveiled in the second half of 2026, aligning with Apple’s usual iPhone launch timeline.
Despite rumors surrounding the iPhone Fold for years, Apple has held off on introducing a foldable device due to the company’s significantly higher order volumes compared to Samsung and Huawei. While competitors have sold around 20 million foldable devices in the past two years, Apple typically orders 90 million devices for its strongest fourth quarter sales.
For those interested in purchasing a foldable smartphone, it is recommended to explore the top recommendations in a round-up of the best foldable phones. The future of the foldable smartphone market may hinge on Apple’s entry into the market and the potential for innovation in form factor, functionality, and durability.
This article was originally published on Macwelt and has been translated and adapted from German.
