Foldable Smartphone Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Functionality (Horizontal Fold, Vertical Fold, Others), By Price Range (Low Range, Mid-Range, Premium), By Sales Channel (Online, Offline), By Region, & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 32.08 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	12.81%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 66.12 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Foldable Smartphone Market will grow from USD 32.08 Billion in 2025 to USD 66.12 Billion by 2031 at a 12.81% CAGR. The Global Foldable Smartphone Market comprises mobile devices featuring flexible display technology that allows the screen to bend, enabling a transformation between a compact form factor and a larger, tablet-like interface. The primary driver supporting this market's growth is the rising consumer demand for devices that offer enhanced multitasking capabilities and immersive media experiences without compromising portability. This demand is further bolstered by the widespread deployment of high-speed telecommunications infrastructure, which facilitates the bandwidth-intensive applications these larger screens are designed to serve. According to the GSMA, in 2024, 261 mobile operators across 101 countries had launched commercial 5G services, providing the essential connectivity foundation for next-generation mobile usage.

Despite this positive trajectory, the market faces a substantial challenge in the form of high production costs. The complex engineering required for durable hinge mechanisms and pliable screens keeps retail prices significantly higher than traditional smartphones, thereby impeding mass market adoption. Reducing these manufacturing expenses while maintaining device reliability remains the critical hurdle for the industry to overcome in its pursuit of broader expansion.

Key Market Drivers

Intensifying competition and product portfolio expansion by major OEMs are fundamentally reshaping the Global Foldable Smartphone Market as manufacturers aggressively vie for dominance. Leading technology giants are no longer just exploring the form factor but are now prioritizing it to capture premium market share, resulting in a surge of diverse devices that cater to varying consumer price points and preferences. This rivalry is evident in the dramatic shifts in market leadership; for instance, according to ET Retail, September 2025, Huawei captured 48% of global foldable smartphone shipments in the first half of 2025, successfully overtaking previous leaders by diversifying its lineup. To counter such aggressive expansion, competitors are setting ambitious production goals to regain momentum. According to ChosunBiz, November 2025, Samsung Electronics raised its sales target for its next-generation foldable phones to 7 million units, signaling a determined effort to scale operations and reclaim market volume in this high-value segment.

Simultaneously, advancements in flexible display and hinge durability are critical in converting skepticism into mass adoption. Manufacturers are engineering robust mechanisms that withstand rigorous usage while minimizing device thickness, addressing long-standing concerns about fragility. The introduction of multi-fold architectures represents the pinnacle of this innovation, pushing the boundaries of material science. A prime example of this engineering feat is the Galaxy Z TriFold; according to SamMobile, December 2025, Samsung claims the device's hinge system can withstand 200,000 folding cycles, demonstrating a significant leap in reliability for complex, dual-hinge mechanisms. These technical strides not only enhance the longevity of the devices but also enable thinner, more practical designs that appeal to a broader demographic seeking both portability and durability.

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Key Market Challenges

The substantial challenge impeding the expansion of the Global Foldable Smartphone Market is the high production cost inherent to the device's complex engineering. Unlike traditional rigid smartphones, foldable architectures require sophisticated hinge mechanisms and flexible display panels that must endure repetitive physical stress without failure. These specialized components significantly increase the Bill of Materials, necessitating retail prices that remain prohibitive for the average consumer. Consequently, this price disparity restricts the technology to a premium niche, preventing the devices from achieving the economies of scale necessary for widespread adoption across diverse demographic segments.

This financial barrier severely limits the market's ability to capitalize on the immense economic footprint of the broader mobile industry. While the connectivity sector continues to drive substantial global value, the high entry cost of foldable devices constrains their market penetration, leaving them as a fraction of the total handset volume. According to the GSMA, in 2024, mobile technologies and services generated 5.8% of global GDP, underscoring the massive economic scale of the mobile ecosystem. However, because foldable smartphones are priced significantly higher than standard handsets, they remain unable to capture a meaningful share of this economic value, effectively stalling the industry's shift toward this next-generation form factor.

Key Market Trends

The emergence of commercial tri-fold display architectures marks a pivotal shift in the hardware landscape, transitioning the category from dual-screen devices to genuine tablet replacements. Unlike earlier iterations limited to a single fold, these multi-hinge systems allow the screen surface to expand significantly, accommodating desktop-level workflows and specialized multitasking interfaces in a pocketable format. This evolution validates consumer appetite for maximized screen real estate, proving that radical hardware innovation remains a potent driver for market excitement. According to Reuters, September 2024, in the article 'Huawei unveils $2,800 trifold phone as it seeks to extend lead over Apple in China', the Mate XT smartphone garnered over 4 million pre-orders ahead of its official sales launch, underscoring the intense market interest in this advanced form factor despite its premium positioning.

Simultaneously, the market is undergoing a strategic diversification into mid-range and value-oriented pricing tiers to overcome the affordability barrier that has historically restricted adoption. Manufacturers are increasingly decoupling foldable screen technology from flagship-level internal specifications, such as processors and cameras, to create devices that compete directly with standard mid-market handsets. This approach aims to democratize the form factor, shifting it from a luxury niche to a mass-market commodity accessible to a wider demographic. According to TechCrunch, February 2024, in the article 'Nubia’s $599 foldable might be the budget flip phone we’ve been waiting for', the Nubia Flip 5G was introduced with a starting price of $599, establishing a new baseline for affordability that challenges the dominance of traditional rigid smartphones in the sub-$700 segment.

Segmental Insights

The Online segment is identified as the fastest-growing distribution channel within the Global Foldable Smartphone Market. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by the convenience of digital storefronts, which offer consumers a broader selection of inventory compared to physical retail locations. Market analysis indicates that leading manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing e-commerce strategies, utilizing exclusive online promotions, exchange programs, and bundled offers to attract buyers. Additionally, the digital channel facilitates detailed specification comparisons and access to user feedback, allowing customers to make informed purchasing decisions without geographical limitations, thus fueling the segment's accelerated development.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific commands the leading position in the global foldable smartphone market, driven primarily by the strong presence of major original equipment manufacturers in South Korea and China. The region benefits from established supply chains for flexible display panels, which ensures efficient production and distribution capabilities. High consumer adoption of premium electronics in these markets further supports sustained demand for new device form factors. Additionally, intense competition among local technology firms accelerates product availability and reinforces the region's status as the central hub for foldable device manufacturing and sales.

Recent Developments

• In September 2024, Huawei Technologies achieved a major milestone in the Global Foldable Smartphone Market by launching the Mate XT Ultimate Design, the world's first tri-foldable smartphone. The device featured a sophisticated double-hinge mechanism that allowed the screen to unfold into a massive 10.2-inch display, offering a tablet-like experience in a handheld format. This product launch represented a breakthrough in flexible screen durability and mechanical engineering, enabling the phone to fold in a distinct Z-shape. The announcement generated substantial industry attention and consumer interest, demonstrating the company's capability to innovate in the ultra-premium hardware segment.
• In August 2024, Google unveiled the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, marking a significant evolution in its strategy for the Global Foldable Smartphone Market. This device, serving as the successor to the original Pixel Fold, introduced a redesigned aspect ratio and a thinner profile to improve usability. Powered by the new Tensor G4 silicon, the smartphone was engineered to support advanced on-device artificial intelligence experiences. The launch emphasized the company's focus on integrating its software ecosystem with specialized hardware, offering features like Split Screen and dual-display functionality to maximize the utility of the foldable screen format.
• In July 2024, Samsung Electronics launched its latest additions to the Global Foldable Smartphone Market, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, during a major event in Paris. The company emphasized the integration of new artificial intelligence features designed specifically for the foldable form factor, offering tools for real-time translation and content creation. These devices utilized the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor to deliver enhanced processing power and efficiency. Additionally, the manufacturer improved the durability of the series with a reinforced dual-rail hinge and an armor aluminum frame, aiming to provide a more robust user experience for foldable device consumers.
• In July 2024, Xiaomi Corporation introduced the MIX Fold 4 in China, showcasing significant advancements in the Global Foldable Smartphone Market through its focus on lightweight design. The company implemented a proprietary all-carbon architecture, utilizing T800H carbon fiber to create a hinge that is both incredibly strong and lightweight. This engineering feat resulted in a device measuring only 9.47mm in thickness when folded and weighing approximately 226g. The product launch also highlighted a continued strategic partnership with Leica, featuring a high-performance quad-camera system that integrates advanced optical technology into the slim foldable chassis.

Key Market Players

• Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
• Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
• Motorola Mobility LLC
• Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd.
• Xiaomi Corporation
• Honor Device Co., Ltd.
• OnePlus Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
• Microsoft Corporation
• Google LLC
• Royale Corporation

By Functionality	By Price Range	By Sales Channel	By Region
Horizontal Fold Vertical Fold Others	Low Range Mid-Range Premium	Online Offline	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Foldable Smartphone Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Foldable Smartphone Market, By Functionality:

• Horizontal Fold
• Vertical Fold
• Others

• Foldable Smartphone Market, By Price Range:

• Low Range
• Mid-Range
• Premium

• Foldable Smartphone Market, By Sales Channel:

• Online
• Offline

• Foldable Smartphone Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE