Counterpoint: The foldable smartphone market to open a new chapter in 2026 | Infinium-tech

Counterpoint analysts say the foldable smartphone market is about to enter a phase one. Following the cyclical recovery last year, 2026 will mark the beginning of a more sustainable expansion phase.

While last year’s strategy for many smartphone makers was to normalize inventory and proceed with extra caution when it comes to new releases, this year we will see a more aggressive push into the foldable segment.

Due to technological advancements and better performance, book-style foldables have become more popular and now account for 52% of all foldable sales. Analysts estimate that their share will reach 65% this year.

Improvements in hardware have also changed consumers’ perception of these devices. They are now seen as good productivity-based value propositions rather than just a technology showcase or form-factor novelty.

The report also highlights the importance of Apple releasing its foldable iPhone this autumn, as it is expected to drive sales of foldables even further.

In response to Apple’s foldable iPhone, rumor has it that other smartphone makers may release their own wider, book-style foldables to compete directly with the first iPhone Fold (tentative name). Samsung is doubling down on its book-style foldable lineup as it works on a wider foldable like the iPhone Fold. Honor and Oppo are also rumored to be working on a wider foldable.

Going forward, companies will continue to offer clamshell foldables as complementary devices in the style-based and entry-premium market segments.

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