The foldable smartphone market is projected to ship 19.8 million units in 2025, maintaining a modest 1.6 percent global penetration, the same as in 2024.
While growth has slowed, ongoing advancements in hinge design, display durability, and form factor are positioning foldables as standout offerings in the mid-to-premium segment.
Samsung remains the market leader with the new Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung is forecast to retain its lead in the global foldable smartphone market in 2025 with a 35.4 percent share, down from 45.2 percent in 2024.
Huawei is gaining strength, particularly in China, with a forecasted 34.3 percent global share. Huawei is expected to drop slightly from 35.2 percent to 34.3 percent, narrowing the gap with Samsung.
Honor and Lenovo (Motorola) are rapidly expanding, with expected 2025 shares of 9.1 percent and 7.6 percent, respectively. Honor is projected to increase its share from 9.1 percent to 9.6 percent, while Lenovo (Motorola) is also set to grow from 6.0 percent to 7.6 percent.
Xiaomi is also making inroads in the compact foldable space, with its share set to rise to 5.1 percent from 3.0 percent, showing notable progress.
OPPO and Vivo together will hold 8.5 percent.
Despite hardware progress, foldables still face barriers such as high prices and limited mass appeal, keeping them niche, TrendForce said. However, the market may see a shift in 2026 with Apple’s rumored foldable debut, expected to feature a 7.8-inch internal and 5.5-inch external display. With Apple’s ecosystem-driven approach, its entry could catalyze broader adoption and push foldables toward the mainstream.
TelecomLead.com News Desk