The year 2026 is forecast to mark a structural breakout for the global foldable smartphone market, transitioning from a cyclical recovery phase to sustainable expansion.

According to Counterpoint Research, 2026 will see consumers spending based on practical value and work performance rather than purely on the novelty of design.

In that context, book-type foldables are emerging as the main growth engine. Counterpoint’s forecast indicates that this category is expected to account for about 65 percent of global foldable shipments in 2026, a sharp rise from 52 percent in 2025.

The shift reflects improvements in hardware, usability and manufacturers’ confidence in high-value product lines. By contrast, clamshell foldables are gradually being repositioned toward fashion-oriented or upper mid-range segments, with their market share projected to decline over time.

A key factor in this transition is the anticipated participation of Apple. The company is widely expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026.

The device is rumored to adopt a book-style design with a 1:1.414 display ratio, optimized for multitasking, document viewing and content consumption. This direction suggests Apple is prioritizing productivity over experimental form factors.

Counterpoint believes Apple’s entry could reshape the competitive landscape and accelerate broader acceptance of the book-style foldable design.

Android rivals are also adjusting rapidly. Samsung reached a notable milestone in the second half of 2025 when sales of its Galaxy Z7 Fold surpassed those of the Galaxy Z7 Flip, signaling growing consumer preference for the larger foldable format. The company is also preparing to introduce wider horizontally folding models to better support multitasking.

The trend is spreading across the industry. Motorola unveiled its first horizontally folding device at CES 2026, while Google continues to commit to its Pixel Fold lineup.

Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint, noted that as memory supply for low- and mid-range segments tightens, manufacturers are prioritizing profit over volume by focusing on higher-value devices. Book-style foldables, with powerful configurations and higher average selling prices, align well with this strategy.

The early experimental phase of foldable phones has ended. In 2026, the focus will no longer be on hinges or flexible displays, but on software. Seamless app continuity and smooth multitasking are becoming key measures of user loyalty.

Liz Lee, Associate Director at Counterpoint, concluded that the next phase of expansion will rely less on novelty and more on clearly defined user value. As book-style foldables gain dominance, differentiation will hinge on software experience and ecosystem maturity. Apple’s participation is expected to reinforce the industry’s convergence toward this design direction.

Du Lam