Folding Smartphones: Market Dip Before the Bounce Back

The market is expected to slow down in 2025, but a revolution is on the horizon. With Apple poised to strike and new formats emerging, a dramatic recovery is anticipated starting in 2026.

A Slowdown Before a Robust Recovery

The global foldable smartphone market saw a modest growth of 2.9% in 2024, according to the latest Counterpoint Research report. This growth featured mixed performances from various manufacturers. While some achieved double or even triple-digit growth, factors like Samsung’s challenges in the fourth quarter due to political instability, and OPPO’s cutback in production of its more affordable flip models, hampered overall market expansion.

Gloomy Forecasts for 2025

The year 2025 poses even greater challenges, with Counterpoint predicting a downturn in the market, a sentiment echoed by senior analyst Jene Park: “I see few bright spots this year, and we even anticipate negative growth for the segment, which would be a first.”

A Market in Transformation

However, this market contraction does not spell the end for foldable smartphones. On the contrary, it signals a deeper transformation. According to Calvin Lee, Director of Research at Counterpoint, “At the moment, it doesn’t look like a stagnant market – it looks like one that is about to transform. And that requires a lot of planning, hence the slight recovery this year.”

Apple’s Entry Could Shake Things Up

And 2026 promises to be an exciting year for this segment. Indeed, Apple’s entry into the market and the emergence of new flip models could revitalize the sector, leading to double-digit growth. The transformation of the foldable smartphone market is thus underway, despite a challenging year ahead in 2025.

Illustrative Image. Foldable Smartphone