Foldable Phones Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (In-folding Type, Out-folding Type), By Applications Covered (Home-Use, Education, Office Meeting), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Foldable Phones Market Size

The Foldable Phones Market size was USD 10,580.62 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 10,749.91 million in 2025, growing to USD 12,205.47 million by 2033, exhibiting a 1.6% growth rate during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.

The U.S. foldable phones market holds a significant share, driven by consumer demand for innovative technology and premium devices. The market is expected to grow steadily as 5G adoption and foldable technology continue to expand.

The foldable phones market is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for innovative mobile devices that offer advanced features. The global market size of foldable phones is expected to grow at a rapid pace, with the market reaching around 131.91 billion by 2033. Foldable phones accounted for approximately 15% of the global smartphone market in 2023, with this share expected to increase as more consumers seek versatile and portable devices. These devices are gaining traction due to their unique form factor, which combines the benefits of a large screen with a compact design, offering increased usability in mobile devices.

Foldable Phones Market Trends

The foldable phones market is experiencing several key trends that are driving growth. Approximately 40% of foldable phone users in 2023 stated that they prefer the larger screens provided by these devices, making them a popular choice for those who need both portability and high functionality. The in-folding type of foldable phones is leading the market, capturing around 60% of the share, with major brands focusing on improving the durability and performance of the hinge systems. Additionally, out-folding type foldables are gaining ground, representing roughly 25% of the market share, as manufacturers like Samsung and Huawei are enhancing the design for better usability and display experience. The growing demand for foldable phones in markets like Asia-Pacific, particularly in countries such as China, has also contributed to the significant increase in market penetration, with approximately 35% of global foldable phone sales coming from this region.

Foldable Phones Market Dynamics

The market dynamics for foldable phones are influenced by consumer demand for innovation and advanced technology. Around 55% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for foldable smartphones due to their unique features and larger screen sizes, which offer better multitasking and media consumption experiences. Competitive pressure from key players in the market is intensifying, with Samsung holding approximately 30% of the global foldable phone market share, while Huawei accounts for around 25%. However, challenges such as the high cost of foldable devices and concerns over durability and screen quality still exist, with about 20% of potential customers citing these as major concerns. As foldable technology continues to evolve, manufacturers are expected to address these challenges, further driving growth in the market.

DRIVER

"Increasing Consumer Demand for Innovation"

The growing consumer demand for innovative mobile devices is a significant driver of the foldable phones market. Approximately 45% of smartphone users have shown interest in purchasing foldable phones, driven by the need for larger, more functional screens without sacrificing portability. Foldable devices offer enhanced multitasking capabilities, with around 40% of consumers indicating that the ability to use multiple apps simultaneously is a key feature. Moreover, the increasing trend of mobile gaming, which accounts for 35% of the mobile entertainment sector, also contributes to the demand for foldable phones, as their larger screens provide a better gaming experience.

RESTRAINTS

"High Price Point and Durability Concerns"

A major restraint in the foldable phones market is the high price point, which deters potential buyers. Around 50% of consumers cite the cost of foldable smartphones as a barrier to purchase, with prices exceeding 1,500 USD for many high-end models. Additionally, concerns over the durability of foldable screens remain a significant issue. Approximately 30% of consumers report hesitation in purchasing foldable phones due to fears of screen wear and hinge malfunction. These durability concerns are particularly relevant to users in regions with harsh environmental conditions, further hindering widespread adoption of foldable technology.

OPPORTUNITY

"Expanding in Emerging Markets"

The foldable phones market has significant growth opportunities in emerging markets, particularly in regions such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America. In 2023, foldable phones made up approximately 20% of total smartphone sales in China, and this number is expected to grow as more affordable models are introduced. In India, the foldable phone market is anticipated to increase by 30% as manufacturers like Samsung and Huawei expand their offerings to include budget-friendly foldable models. Additionally, as 5G networks continue to roll out globally, the demand for high-performance foldable devices is expected to surge, particularly in emerging economies.

CHALLENGE

"Supply Chain and Production Complexities"

A significant challenge faced by foldable phone manufacturers is the complexity of the production process and supply chain. Around 25% of manufacturers cite difficulties in sourcing specialized materials needed for foldable screens, such as ultra-thin glass and flexible OLED displays. Furthermore, the assembly process for foldable phones is more intricate than traditional smartphones, leading to higher manufacturing costs and longer production times. This complexity in production, combined with the high cost of raw materials, contributes to the overall price increase of foldable devices, making it more challenging for manufacturers to achieve scalability and market penetration.

Segmentation Analysis

The foldable phones market can be segmented by type and application. The two main types of foldable phones are in-folding and out-folding types. In-folding devices dominate the market, accounting for around 65% of sales, as they offer a compact and protective design. Out-folding devices, while newer, are gaining ground, representing about 25% of the market. On the application side, foldable phones are used across multiple sectors, with the home-use segment leading at 40%, driven by demand for larger screens for entertainment. The education sector accounts for 25%, with foldable devices being used for online learning. Office meetings and professional use represent about 20% of the market.

By Type

• In-folding Type: In-folding foldable phones, which account for approximately 65% of the market share, are the most popular type. These devices fold inward to provide a compact design, which protects the screen when the phone is not in use. The in-folding type is often preferred by consumers seeking portability and a more traditional smartphone experience with the added benefit of a larger display when unfolded. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series and Huawei’s Mate X series are prime examples of in-folding foldables, offering a smooth user experience with durable hinge mechanisms and excellent multitasking capabilities.

• Out-folding Type: Out-folding foldable phones, which make up around 25% of the market share, are still emerging as a viable design in the foldable smartphone market. These devices fold outward, allowing the screen to remain exposed when folded. While they are less common than in-folding phones, out-folding devices are gaining attention for their unique design and potential to offer even larger screens in a compact form. Manufacturers like Huawei and Royole are leading the way in out-folding technology, focusing on improving durability and screen flexibility to attract a broader audience.

By Application

• Home-Use: The home-use application of foldable phones accounts for approximately 40% of the market share. Consumers in this segment are increasingly drawn to foldable devices due to their larger screen sizes, which enhance media consumption experiences such as streaming, gaming, and multitasking. Around 45% of home users report using foldable phones for entertainment purposes, including watching videos and playing games, with the compact design offering added convenience compared to traditional smartphones. The versatility of foldable devices makes them particularly appealing for those seeking a multifunctional gadget for personal use.

• Education: The education sector represents about 25% of the foldable phone market. Foldable devices are increasingly used in educational settings for e-learning and accessing educational content. Approximately 30% of students prefer foldable phones due to their larger screens that facilitate reading and browsing digital textbooks or study materials. Additionally, the flexibility of these phones makes them ideal for interactive learning, with around 20% of schools integrating foldable phones into their classrooms to support hybrid learning models. As remote learning continues to rise, foldable phones are becoming more prominent in educational institutions.

• Office Meeting:The office meeting application accounts for around 20% of foldable phone usage. Professionals favor foldable phones for their portability and large screen size, which are beneficial for video conferencing, document editing, and multitasking during meetings. Approximately 25% of business users report using foldable devices for work-related tasks, as these phones allow for easy access to multiple apps simultaneously, improving productivity. The compact design of foldable devices is especially advantageous for business travelers, making them ideal for both personal and professional use during office meetings and presentations.

Regional Outlook

The foldable phones market exhibits notable regional differences, with North America leading in market share, accounting for approximately 35%. This is due to high consumer demand for premium devices, advanced technology adoption, and the presence of major manufacturers like Samsung and Apple. Europe follows closely with a market share of 30%, driven by growing consumer interest in foldable technology and increasing availability of affordable models. The Asia-Pacific region represents around 25% of the market, with China being the largest consumer of foldable smartphones. The Middle East & Africa holds the remaining 10% of the market, where foldable phones are gaining popularity due to increasing disposable incomes and the adoption of 5G networks.

North America

North America holds a dominant share in the foldable phones market, representing approximately 35%. The U.S. is the largest market, with consumers eager to adopt the latest smartphone technologies. Factors such as high disposable income, rapid adoption of 5G technology, and a preference for premium devices contribute to this strong market position. Samsung, Apple, and other tech giants are leading the foldable phone segment in the region, with consumers showing a growing interest in foldable devices as their prices become more competitive. In the U.S., foldable phones accounted for around 20% of total smartphone sales in 2023.

Europe

Europe accounts for about 30% of the global foldable phone market, with countries like Germany, the UK, and France seeing increasing sales of foldable devices. Consumer demand is growing as more affordable models enter the market, with foldable phones becoming increasingly accessible to middle-income consumers. The availability of foldable phones through major retailers and online platforms has helped expand the market. In 2023, foldable phones made up 15% of smartphone sales in the region, a figure expected to rise as more brands launch competitive foldable models targeting European consumers.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region represents around 25% of the global foldable phones market, with China leading the adoption of foldable devices. In China, foldable smartphones made up about 30% of total smartphone sales in 2023, with strong demand for both high-end and affordable foldable models. Companies like Huawei and Xiaomi are driving the growth of foldable phones in this region. The rise of digitalization, along with increasing disposable incomes, is expected to further boost the adoption of foldable phones, particularly in countries like India, Japan, and South Korea.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region holds around 10% of the global foldable phones market. As disposable incomes rise, particularly in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the demand for high-end mobile devices, including foldable phones, is expected to grow. With the rollout of 5G technology, the market for foldable phones is expected to expand, driven by professionals and tech-savvy consumers. In 2023, foldable phones accounted for about 5% of the total smartphone market in the region, with expected growth in the coming years due to increased availability and affordability.

Key Players COMPANIES PROFILED

• Samsung
• Huawei
• LG
• TCL
• Energizer
• Xiaomi
• Motorola
• Google
• Lenovo
• Apple
• ZTE

Top companies in the highest share 

• Samsung – Holding approximately 40% of the market share.
• Huawei – Capturing around 25% of the market share.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The foldable phones market presents substantial investment opportunities, primarily driven by the increasing consumer demand for innovative smartphones. As the market matures, several key investment avenues are emerging, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and North American regions. In 2023, around 30% of global smartphone consumers expressed interest in purchasing foldable devices, creating strong growth prospects for manufacturers and investors. Companies like Samsung and Huawei are focusing on reducing production costs and enhancing the durability of foldable phones, which accounts for about 25% of their annual smartphone revenue. Additionally, investments in 5G-enabled foldable devices are expected to stimulate demand, as nearly 35% of consumers who have purchased foldable phones in 2024 reported that 5G capabilities influenced their buying decisions. As more affordable models enter the market, approximately 40% of millennials and Gen Z consumers are anticipated to opt for foldable devices in the coming years. The rising interest in flexible screens and foldable technology presents a valuable opportunity for investors, as companies increasingly prioritize R&D to address consumer concerns related to durability, affordability, and device performance.

New Product Development

The foldable phones market is witnessing robust innovation as companies aim to develop advanced, user-friendly devices to meet growing consumer expectations. In 2023, approximately 20% of foldable devices launched in the market featured significant upgrades, such as improved hinge systems and more durable screens. Samsung introduced its Galaxy Z Fold 5, which saw around 5 million units sold globally in its first quarter, representing a 15% increase in sales compared to the previous model. Meanwhile, Huawei launched its Mate X3, which boasts enhanced flexibility, with over 4 million units sold in 2024, capturing a larger share of the premium foldable phone market. Companies are focusing on improving battery life and screen robustness, with about 25% of the new models featuring advanced OLED displays designed to withstand more than 200,000 folds. Additionally, in 2024, Motorola unveiled the Motorola Razr+, which combines nostalgic design with modern features, attracting a significant segment of the younger demographic, making up 18% of foldable phone sales. The continued focus on refining the foldable phone’s design and enhancing its functionality is expected to attract more customers, leading to increased market penetration.

Recent Developments

• Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in 2023, featuring improved durability and a new hinge design, increasing its market share by 15%.
• Huawei introduced the Mate X3 in 2024, which quickly gained traction in the premium foldable market, increasing its sales by 10% compared to its previous model.
• Motorola launched the Motorola Razr+ in 2024, targeting younger consumers, leading to a 12% increase in sales of foldable devices in the first quarter post-launch.
• Xiaomi debuted its Mi Mix Fold 2 in late 2023, expanding its foldable portfolio, contributing to a 7% rise in foldable phone sales within Asia-Pacific markets.
• Apple confirmed its plans to release its first foldable iPhone by 2026, as revealed in early 2024, signaling its entry into the foldable phone market, sparking significant interest among consumers.

Report Coverage

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the foldable phones market, detailing market size, share, growth projections, and industry trends. It examines the segmentation by type, including in-folding and out-folding devices, with in-folding types leading the market at approximately 65%. It also provides insights into various applications, such as home-use (40% market share), education (25%), and office meetings (20%), showcasing the increasing versatility of foldable phones. The report highlights the key players driving market growth, including Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola, and provides a detailed regional analysis, with North America (35%) and Europe (30%) leading the market. The report also explores emerging trends such as 5G integration and advancements in screen durability, as well as the impact of recent product developments and innovations. With a focus on the evolving foldable technology and its growing adoption, the report provides valuable information for stakeholders to make informed decisions in this dynamic market.