Market research organization Counterpoint recently released a report stating that the global folding screen smartphone market will begin a new stage of development in 2026. After experiencing a cyclical recovery last year, 2026 is expected to enter a more sustainable expansion period, which means that folding screens will accelerate from "niche early adopters" to a more stable mainstream high-end category.
The report pointed out that in 2025, the strategies of many mobile phone manufacturers will be based on "destocking" and cautious new products, and starting this year, manufacturers will adopt a more aggressive pace of advancement in the folding screen segment. As technology matures and supply chain execution efficiency improves, the folding screen product line will be regarded by more brands as a key component of the flagship lineup, rather than just an image project or concept display.
In terms of product form, book-style foldable models are becoming the main force in the folding screen market. According to data from Counterpoint, this type of model currently accounts for 52% of global folding screen sales, and is expected to further increase its share to 65% this year, occupying an absolute dominant position in the entire folding market. In contrast, the vertical clamshell model will play more of a "stylized" and "entry-level high-end" role, and will continue to exist as a supplementary option in the brand's product line.
Rapid progress at the hardware level is also changing consumers' perception of foldable screen phones. According to the report, today's folding screens are gradually shifting from being labeled as "showy new products" or "novel forms" in the past to being labeled with "productivity" and "multi-tasking efficiency" as their selling points.valuetool. A more mature hinge structure, a more durable flexible screen, and software-level adaptation and optimization for multitasking and large-screen unfolding have given foldable screens a clearer use positioning in office, creative, and entertainment scenarios.
The report also particularly emphasizes the importance of Apple’s upcoming launch of its first foldable iPhone this fall. This new product, tentatively called "iPhone Fold" in the industry, is regarded as a key event that will further ignite global demand for foldable screens. It is expected to significantly increase the attention and shipment scale of foldable screens in the high-end market. Due to Apple’s brand influence in the high-end smartphone market, its entry is believed to accelerate the industry’s technological follow-up and product iteration in the folding field.
Before and after the arrival of Apple's folding models, major Android manufacturers were rumored to be preparing wider book-style folding products to compete head-on with this new product. According to reports, Samsung is doubling down on its book-folding product line and developing a new model with wider proportions to match the rumored unfolded form of the iPhone Fold. Honor and OPPO have also been revealed to be developing wider folding screen phones, planning to provide a tablet-like experience in the unfolded form to form differentiated competitiveness in productivity and multi-tasking scenarios.
Looking forward to the subsequent market trends, Counterpoint believes that various manufacturers will continue to retain vertical clamshell folding screen models, mainly for user groups who value design and individual expression, and covering the entry-level high-end price range. At the same time, book-folding will assume the role of the "backbone" of the folding screen market. Through larger screens, a more complete software ecosystem, and a clearer productivity positioning, it will promote folding screens from a staged hot spot to long-term stable growth.