Foldable smartphones are increasingly gaining attention, projected to represent 2-3% of the overall smartphone market by value by 2026, driven by their high average selling price of approximately $1,800—five times that of traditional smartphones. According to Counterpoint, the volume of foldable smartphone shipments is expected to rise by 8% in 2026, contrasting with an anticipated 13-14% decline in the overall smartphone market, which is expected to see shipments drop to around 133 million to 134 million units.
Since Samsung introduced its first foldable model in September 2019, shipments in this niche segment are anticipated to exceed 3 million by the end of 2026, up from 2.5 million in 2025. Currently, Samsung leads the foldable smartphone market with an 89% share, while Motorola follows with 8%. The impending entry of Apple into this market, expected later this year, may not significantly impact market dynamics immediately. Analysts predict that Apple’s foldable iPhone will account for less than 1% of India’s foldable smartphone market by 2026.
In response to Apple’s anticipated competition, Samsung has launched three new models in its Galaxy Z series, priced between ₹1.24 lakh and ₹2.33 lakh in India. Meanwhile, Motorola has expanded its offerings with the new Razr Fold and the upcoming Razr Flip. Notably, two-thirds of foldable shipments in India this year are expected to come from book-style models, which enhance productivity with larger displays. While production increases typically bring prices down, rising memory costs may counteract this trend.
The global foldable smartphone market is expected to experience more robust growth, with shipments projected to rise 30% year-on-year, and Apple is anticipated to secure 25% of this market by year-end.
- Why this story matters: The growth of foldable smartphones highlights evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements in the smartphone industry.
- Key takeaway: Despite an overall decline in smartphone shipments, the foldable segment is projected to grow as luxury pricing attracts a specific market demographic.
- Opposing viewpoint: Some analysts may argue that high production costs and delayed competition from Apple could hinder the segment’s growth potential in the immediate future.
