Global Foldable Smartphone Shipments to Cross 100 Million by 2027

• Global foldable smartphone shipments are projected to reach 101.5 million in 2027 from 78.6 million in 2026.
• Samsung and Apple are expected to dominate the market.
• Regional drivers, especially in China, combined with growing consumer willingness to buy foldables will help keep shipment growth buoyant.

Seoul, Boston, Beijing, Hong Kong, New Delhi, London – July 26, 2023

Global foldable smartphone shipments are expected to pass the 100-million mark by 2027, according to Counterpoint Research’s latest Global Foldable Smartphone Tracker and Forecast, with Samsung and Apple accounting for the biggest market share.

Global Foldable Smartphone Shipment Forecast by Brand & Foldable Share In Premium Segment, 2021-2027(E)*

*Premium segment considered to be above $600 average wholesale price

Commenting on growth expectations, Research Director Tom Kang said, “At the moment, foldables remain niche. But it is an important segment for brands looking to maintain leadership in innovation and a premium market presence.”

Kang added, “Samsung and the Chinese OEMs have been very active, especially in their home markets, with China emerging as the biggest market globally last year. If you want to make it in foldables, you have to make it there.”

Senior Analyst Jene Park said, “In the long term, we are waiting to see what Apple does. We are looking at 2025 as the possible year of iPhone’s foldable debut, which could provide another growth spurt for the segment.”

Park added, “When we look at the current consumer response, our latest Global Foldable Smartphone Preference Survey shows a willingness to purchase for the majority of respondents, most notably among current users. This is a good sign and tells us the hype around foldables is legitimate.”

Global Foldable Smartphone Survey, 2023

Question: Are you willing to purchase a foldable phone as your next device?

Source: Counterpoint Research Global Foldable Smartphone Preference Survey, 2023
Notes: N=1,000 per country across US, China, South Korea; Figures may not add up to 100% due to rounding

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Background

Counterpoint Technology Market Research is a global research firm specializing in products in the TMT (technology, media and telecom) industry. It services major technology and financial firms with a mix of monthly reports, customized projects and detailed analyses of the mobile and technology markets. Its key analysts are seasoned experts in the high-tech industry.