**Foldable Phones Set for Renewed Growth as Wider Designs Gain Ground**
The global market for foldable smartphones is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating an annual increase of over 20 percent through 2028. Research firm Omdia forecasts that annual shipments will reach approximately 36 million units, driven by innovative new designs from leading manufacturers.
According to Zaker Li, principal analyst at Omdia, foldable smartphones have emerged as a standout growth story in a year marked by supply chain challenges and market volatility. "In a year defined by supply chain constraints and market uncertainty, foldable smartphones stand out as the industry’s most compelling growth story," Li stated.
A key factor in this anticipated growth is the introduction of a new wide-format design, which has gained traction among major smartphone manufacturers. Huawei was the first to pioneer this design with its Pura X Max, launched in May 2026, followed closely by Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 in August. This new category of devices is expected to drive a fresh wave of growth in the foldable smartphone market, according to Omdia.
The wide-format foldable design boasts a shorter and wider aspect ratio, which allows the device to take on a more tablet-like shape when unfolded. This design enhances portability by reducing the overall volume and weight of the device while still providing a larger viewing area, making it ideal for productivity and content consumption. The external sub-display offers more horizontal content during regular use, while the internal screen delivers a full-screen experience suitable for multitasking and media consumption.
Despite the promising outlook, the foldable smartphone market experienced a slowdown in 2025 and the first half of 2026. Global shipments reached 18.2 million units in 2025, but annual growth fell to 6 percent, the lowest rate in recent years. The first half of 2026 saw a further decline, with shipments totaling 5.1 million units, reflecting a 21.6 percent year-on-year drop. Flip-style foldable smartphones were particularly hard hit, with shipments plummeting by 47 percent compared to the same period in 2025. In contrast, shipments of book-style foldable smartphones remained relatively stable, accounting for 69 percent of global shipments during the first half of 2026, with Huawei and Samsung dominating this segment.
Omdia believes that the introduction of the wide-format design could help revive growth in the foldable smartphone category, even as demand for flip-style models continues to wane. Major manufacturers have already ramped up production targets for wide-format foldable smartphones in 2026, and more Android manufacturers are expected to launch similar designs in 2027. As production expands across a broader range of manufacturers, Omdia anticipates that these devices will contribute to stronger growth in overall global foldable smartphone shipments.
Despite the projected growth, foldable smartphones are expected to remain a premium niche within the broader smartphone market. Omdia forecasts that global shipments will exceed 22 million units in 2026, with annual growth recovering to over 22 percent. By 2030, shipments are expected to reach 45 million units. However, foldable smartphones are still anticipated to account for less than 3 percent of total global smartphone shipments.
The limited market penetration can be attributed to ongoing structural cost barriers within the foldable sector. The complexity of components, such as large displays, hinges, and specialized glass, drives up manufacturing costs, making foldable devices more expensive than traditional smartphones. Consequently, manufacturers are focusing on premium positioning rather than aiming for mass-market volumes.
Consumers face the challenge of weighing the higher purchase prices of foldable smartphones against potential trade-offs, including camera performance and higher repair costs. To move beyond early adopters, Omdia suggests that manufacturers will need to provide more differentiated and value-added services that leverage the unique features of the foldable form factor. Strategic partnerships could also play a crucial role in reducing overall ownership costs while clarifying the practical advantages of foldable devices compared to conventional smartphones.
In conclusion, the combination of innovative new designs, expanded production capabilities, and broader manufacturer adoption could provide the foldable smartphone segment with renewed momentum following the recent slowdown. As the market evolves, the success of foldable smartphones will hinge on manufacturers' ability to address cost concerns and deliver compelling value propositions to consumers.