By: The Trek News Desk
The global foldable smartphone market is gearing up for another strong year, with a fresh wave of innovation expected to energise the premium device segment. According to the latest Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker report from the International Data Corporation (IDC), foldable shipments are projected to rise 10% year-on-year in 2025, reaching 20.6 million units.
While consumers worldwide are delaying upgrades to traditional smartphones, interest in next-generation foldable devices continues to climb. IDC attributes this momentum to two major developments on the horizon: Samsung’s anticipated tri-fold smartphone launch and strong industry buzz surrounding Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
A 17% CAGR Through 2029 – Far Outpacing Traditional Smartphones
IDC estimates that the foldable smartphone category is set to expand at a robust 17% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2029.
In contrast, the conventional smartphone market is stagnating at under 1% growth, largely due to users holding onto their devices for longer periods.
In this slow-moving market, IDC believes foldables could play a pivotal role in revitalizing consumer interest, especially in the premium segment where innovation drives purchasing decisions.
2026 Could Be a Breakout Year: Samsung Trifold, Huawei’s Comeback & Apple’s Big Leap
IDC Senior Research Director Nabila Popal highlighted that 2026 may prove transformative for the foldable landscape.
“Next year is poised to be exceptionally dynamic for the foldable category. Multiple high-profile launches are expected to push growth from the previously forecasted 6% to nearly 30% YoY,” Nabila Popal, IDC
According to IDC’s projections:
- Samsung will kick off 2026 with its next-gen Galaxy Z Trifold, bringing tri-fold technology to mainstream consumers for the first time.
- Huawei is expected to see strong momentum with its HarmonyOS Next-powered foldables, with shipments likely to nearly double in 2026.
- The real disruption, however, may come from Apple’s long-awaited entry into the foldable space.
IDC forecasts that Apple could capture:
- 22% of all foldable units,
- and 34% of the total market value, in its very first year, it is potentially redefining the competitive landscape.
Foldables: The Next Big Chapter in Premium Smartphones
Industry analysts note that consumers are no longer seeing meaningful year-to-year advancement in regular smartphones, prompting delayed upgrades. Foldables, with their unique form factors, multifunctional displays, and high-end features, are emerging as the next aspirational device category.
If Apple unveils its first foldable iPhone in 2026, experts believe it could not only reshape the premium smartphone segment but also influence the direction of the global mobile industry itself.
Source: News Agencies
