Market research firm Display Supply Chain has released a new report on the state of the foldable smartphone market (via 9to5mac). According to the report, growth slowed slightly faster than expected in 2024, and a decline is expected in 2025.
After explosive growth in demand for foldable smartphones over the past three years, which reached double-digit percentage points, growth is expected to be only 5% in 2024 and even fall by 4% next year. For the first time since observations began, orders for foldable screens fell. The decline was 38% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2024, and this negative trend is expected to continue in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Display Supply Chain cites the lack of competition in the market and the inability of manufacturers to tap market potential in other regions as reasons for this trend. Two major manufacturers currently dominate the foldable smartphone market: Samsung and Huawei. Google, Honor and Motorola are not yet realistic competitors.
The latest models from the two biggest manufacturers, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Mate X6, as well as the Pocket 3, disappointed when they were launched on the market. Huawei has also delayed the release of the Mate X6 somewhat, which complicates things. Display Supply Chain notes that foldable smartphones have only taken over markets in Europe and Korea; neither China nor the United States is on the list of biggest buyers.
According to Display Supply Chain, the only hope for foldable smartphones is Apple, which is expected to introduce its first foldable smartphone in 2026. Any innovation in form factor, functionality or durability is expected to reignite user interest and revitalize the market . DSCC estimates that Apple will unveil its foldable smartphone in the second half of 2026, the usual date for the iPhone launch.
Editorial opinion
Rumors about the iPhone Fold have been circulating for several years, in fact ever since competitors introduced their own models. The reason why Apple still hasn't introduced a foldable iPhone can be explained by the numbers.
The two main manufacturers, Samsung and Huawei, share a market of only 20 million devices sold over the past two years. Apple operates with different order volumes: Cupertino likes to order 90 million devices for the fourth quarter of each year, traditionally the strongest, which are sold over the counter.
If you're considering a foldable phone, you can check out our top recommendations in our roundup of the best foldable phones.
This article was originally published in our sister publication Macwelt and has been translated and adapted from German.
