Foldable smartphones have been a captivating innovation in the tech industry, promising a blend of compactness and large-screen utility. However, despite their novelty, foldable phone sales have grown at a slower pace than many expected. A new report reveals that shipments of foldable smartphones in 2024 increased by a mere 2.9% compared to 2023. While some might interpret this as a sign of market stagnation or a potential decline, analysts suggest that it may actually be a sign of an industry in transition — one that could be laying the groundwork for a much stronger 2026.
2024 and 2025: Sluggish Growth, but Not a Downturn
The marginal increase in foldable phone shipments in 2024 has sparked debates in the tech world. Although the year-on-year growth was modest, experts caution against reading too much into these numbers. According to the report, the underwhelming performance in 2024 does not indicate that the foldable market has peaked. Instead, it suggests the market is going through a necessary adjustment phase.
Forecasts for 2025 aren’t overly optimistic either, with some projections even suggesting a slight dip in sales compared to 2024. But rather than seeing this as a downfall, industry watchers interpret it as a potential sign of stabilization. The technology is maturing, and both manufacturers and consumers may be waiting for the next big leap — one that could arrive as early as 2026.
Why 2026 Could Be the Game-Changer
Several indicators point to 2026 being a turning point for foldable smartphones. One of the biggest reasons is the expected entry of Apple into the foldable market. For years, there has been speculation about Apple’s work on a foldable device, and many analysts now believe 2026 could be the year it finally hits the market.
Apple’s entry could act as a catalyst, not just for consumer interest but also for innovation across the industry. When Apple enters a new product category, it often brings with it mainstream attention and accelerated adoption. If this happens with foldables, it could drive a significant surge in demand and set new standards for usability, durability, and design.
In addition to Apple, other smartphone makers are also expected to ramp up their foldable offerings. Brands like Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Huawei continue to refine their designs, and many are working on making foldables more accessible in terms of price, durability, and user experience.
The Shift from Niche to Mainstream
One of the biggest challenges foldable phones face today is their perception as high-end, niche products. Currently, most foldables carry premium price tags, often well above the cost of even flagship non-foldable phones. This limits their market to early adopters and tech enthusiasts, preventing widespread adoption.
However, the report emphasizes that the current period of slow growth might be the precursor to a significant market transition — from niche luxury gadgets to mainstream consumer devices. This shift will likely be driven by the introduction of more affordable foldable options and greater diversity in form factors, such as clamshell foldables and dual-screen designs.
As production techniques improve and competition increases, manufacturing costs are expected to drop. This will pave the way for more budget-friendly foldable smartphones, broadening their appeal and enabling mass-market penetration.
Foldables vs. Conventional Phones: The Ongoing Battle
Despite their promise, foldable phones still face several challenges that prevent them from fully replacing traditional smartphones. While foldables offer the benefit of a larger screen in a compact form, there are trade-offs — particularly in areas like camera quality.
To maintain a sleek and slim profile when folded, manufacturers have to design each half of the device to be as thin as possible. For instance, the Oppo Find N5 manages a folded thickness of just 4.2mm per side. While impressive, this design constraint significantly limits the space available for camera components, resulting in compromises in image quality.
For many users, especially those who prioritize photography, these limitations remain a deal-breaker. Until foldable phones can offer camera performance on par with top-tier conventional smartphones, they will likely remain a complementary product rather than a complete replacement.
Conclusion: A Market in Transformation
The current plateau in foldable phone sales does not indicate the end of the road — quite the opposite. The market is evolving, and 2026 could be the year when foldables finally break into the mainstream. With key developments on the horizon, such as Apple’s potential debut in the category and a broader push toward affordability and innovation, the future of foldable smartphones looks increasingly promising.
Though challenges remain, especially around design limitations and price points, the transition from niche to mass market appears inevitable. If the predictions hold true, we may look back at 2026 as the year foldables went from futuristic concepts to everyday essentials.
