Foldable Smartphone Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Foldable Smartphone Market is projected to experience substantial expansion, growing from a valuation of USD 32.08 billion in 2025 to USD 66.12 billion by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate of 12.81%. This sector encompasses mobile devices utilizing flexible display technology that permits screens to bend, effectively merging the portability of a compact phone with the expansive interface of a tablet.

The primary catalyst driving this growth is the increasing consumer desire for hardware that supports enhanced multitasking and immersive media consumption without sacrificing mobility. This demand is underpinned by the global rollout of high-speed telecommunications networks, which provide the necessary bandwidth for the data-intensive applications these devices are built to handle. For instance, GSMA data from 2024 indicates that 261 mobile operators across 101 nations have commercialized 5G services, establishing the connectivity infrastructure essential for next-generation mobile usage.

However, the market faces significant obstacles, chiefly due to the high costs associated with manufacturing these advanced devices. The intricate engineering required to produce durable hinge mechanisms and resilient pliable screens results in retail prices that are considerably higher than those of traditional smartphones, which limits mass market adoption. Consequently, the industry's ability to achieve broader expansion depends heavily on its capacity to lower these production expenditures while maintaining device reliability. Overcoming the financial barriers imposed by these complex components remains the critical challenge for manufacturers aiming to transition foldable technology from a premium niche to a widely accepted standard.

Market Drivers

Escalating rivalry and the aggressive expansion of product portfolios by leading original equipment manufacturers are fundamentally restructuring the Global Foldable Smartphone Market. Major technology corporations have moved beyond merely experimenting with the form factor and are now prioritizing it to secure a foothold in the premium segment, leading to a proliferation of diverse devices suited to various budgets and preferences. This intense competition has caused significant shifts in market leadership; for example, ET Retail reported in September 2025 that Huawei secured 48% of global foldable smartphone shipments in the first half of the year, overtaking former leaders through a diversified product lineup. In response, competitors are establishing ambitious production benchmarks to regain market share, with ChosunBiz reporting in November 2025 that Samsung Electronics increased the sales target for its upcoming foldable models to 7 million units, highlighting a determined push to scale operations in this high-value category.

Concurrently, technical breakthroughs regarding the durability of flexible displays and hinges are playing a pivotal role in transforming consumer skepticism into widespread acceptance. Manufacturers are developing rugged mechanisms capable of enduring improved stress levels while simultaneously reducing device thickness, effectively mitigating historical concerns regarding fragility.

The pinnacle of this innovation is seen in the development of multi-fold architectures that challenge existing material science limits. A notable illustration of this progress is the Galaxy Z TriFold; as reported by SamMobile in December 2025, Samsung asserts that its hinge system can survive 200,000 folding cycles, marking a substantial improvement in the reliability of complex dual-hinge systems. These engineering advancements not only extend the lifespan of the hardware but also facilitate sleeker designs that attract a wider audience looking for a blend of portability and resilience.

Market Challenges

A significant impediment to the growth of the Global Foldable Smartphone Market is the exorbitant production cost associated with the intricate engineering of these devices. Unlike standard rigid smartphones, foldable designs necessitate advanced hinge systems and flexible display panels capable of withstanding repeated physical stress, components that drastically inflate the bill of materials. This financial burden translates into retail prices that remain inaccessible for the average buyer, thereby confining the technology to a luxury niche. Consequently, this pricing disparity prevents the sector from achieving the economies of scale required to make these devices a viable option across a diverse range of demographic segments.

This cost barrier severely restricts the market's capacity to leverage the immense economic potential of the wider mobile ecosystem. Although the connectivity sector generates vast global value - demonstrated by GSMA data from 2024 showing that mobile technologies and services contributed 5.8% to the global GDP - the high entry price of foldable smartphones limits their penetration to a mere fraction of total handset volumes. Because these devices are priced significantly higher than traditional phones, they are unable to secure a meaningful proportion of this economic output, effectively stalling the industry's broader transition toward this innovative form factor.

Market Trends

The introduction of commercial tri-fold display architectures represents a critical evolution in hardware, transforming the category from simple dual-screen phones into legitimate tablet alternatives. Unlike previous models restricted to a single fold, these multi-hinge systems allow the display to expand considerably, supporting desktop-caliber workflows and advanced multitasking interfaces within a portable device. This development confirms strong consumer demand for maximized screen space, demonstrating that bold hardware innovation continues to drive market enthusiasm. For instance, Reuters reported in September 2024 that Huawei’s Mate XT smartphone attracted over 4 million pre-orders prior to its official release, highlighting the intense interest in this advanced form factor despite its premium positioning.

At the same time, the market is experiencing a strategic shift toward mid-range and value-oriented pricing structures aimed at overcoming the affordability hurdles that have historically limited adoption. Manufacturers are increasingly separating foldable screen technology from top-tier internal specifications, such as processors and cameras, to produce devices that are price-competitive with standard mid-market handsets. This strategy seeks to democratize the technology, moving it from a luxury novelty to a mass-market commodity available to a broader audience. As noted by TechCrunch in February 2024, the launch of the Nubia Flip 5G with a starting price of $599 set a new benchmark for affordability, challenging the dominance of traditional rigid smartphones in the sub-$700 price segment.

Key Players Profiled in the Foldable Smartphone Market

• 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

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Foldable Smartphone Market has been segmented into the following categories:

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
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Foldable Smartphone Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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