Foldable smartphones are approaching a symbolic milestone. Eight years after the launch of the first commercial model, the category’s cumulative sales should Breaking through 100 million units by the end of 2026.
However, this result does not mean that the Flyers are now mass-produced. This paragraph still represents Approximately 2% of the entire smartphone marketbut forecasts show an acceleration starting next year, and Apple’s addition also provides support for this trend.
Foldable smartphones: Has 2027 accelerated?
According to the latest estimates from Counterpoint Research, global foldable smartphone shipments may Annual growth of 37% in 2027. A variety of factors come into play, starting with the arrival of the first foldable iPhone and greater demand for book-style models with larger displays.
Samsung is expected to maintain its core position in the segment, while Huawei continues to be one of the key movers in the category in China with a range of models including the new tri-fold Mate XT 2. According to Counterpoint analysis, models that will contribute to the popularity of large devices include Galaxy Z Fold8 and Huawei Pura X Max.
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However, Apple may soon change the balance. The research firm expects fFoldable iPhone shipments will reach 6 million units in 2026Although the sales window is expected to be shorter this year. According to these estimates, its sales are enough to capture 25% of the global market share, ranking second behind Samsung at 38% and ahead of Huawei at 22%.
The initial availability of the device is likely to be limited primarily by production capacity. As a result, initial deliveries are expected to grow gradually across regions, with supply constraints becoming more important than demand, at least during the initial commercialization phase.
Competition is likely to expand further in 2027. Counterpoint forecasts that, based on full-year sales, Apple shipments could more than double And let the company reach 40% of the shares. At the same time, Xiaomi, Motorola, Honor, Google, vivo and OPPO are also preparing new models, including larger-sized devices.
The next goal can be achieved faster than the first: at the expected growth rate, the market can 100 million foldable smartphones will be added in about three years. However, it is not just new producers that determine the proliferation of the category.
In fact, prices remain at approximately Three times higher than traditional smartphones. The real challenge is turning larger displays into concrete advantages for productivity and content usage. It is on this basis that Flyers must prove that they can transcend the role of premium products and conquer a larger market.
