For the global foldable smartphone market, 2026 is expected to represent a structural inflection point, moving beyond a cyclical recovery toward a more sustainable expansion phase, according to Counterpoint Research.
In contrast, 2025 largely functioned as a transition year, characterized by inventory normalization, cautious production planning, and more selective consumer demand in the premium segment. As foldable price points remain elevated, purchasing decisions have increasingly shifted away from form-factor novelty toward clearer functional and productivity-led value propositions.
Against this backdrop, book-type foldables are emerging as the primary growth engine of the foldable smartphone market. According to Counterpoint Research’s Foldable Smartphone Market Forecast, book-type devices are projected to account for around 65% of global foldable shipments in 2026, up from 52% in 2025.
This reflects continued improvements in hardware, usability, and manufacturer confidence in higher-value form factors. In comparison, clamshell foldables are increasingly positioned as complementary offerings within style-led or entry-premium segments, with their overall market share expected to decline gradually.
Within this structural transition, Apple’s entry is expected to play a meaningful role, according to Counterpoint Research. The company is widely expected to introduce its first foldable smartphone in the second half of 2026, adopting a book-type form factor with a 1:1.414 wide-fold display ratio optimized for multitasking, document viewing and content consumption.
Counterpoint says this design direction underscores a clear focus on productivity-driven use cases rather than form-factor experimentation. While market outcomes will depend on variables such as pricing, launch timing and product positioning, Apple’s entry is expected to materially influence leadership dynamics within the book-type foldable segment and accelerate broader market adoption, notes the research group.
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