The global foldable smartphone ASP is forecast to rise 18% YoY in 2026, according to Counterpoint Research’s Foldable Smartphone Market Forecast. The foldable smartphone market is moving differently from the typical pricing pattern seen in earlier smartphone cycles. While consumers remain cautious in many smartphone segments and prices usually ease as production scales, foldable ASP is expected to rise as the mix shifts toward super-premium models.

The two main foldable form factors are moving in different directions. Clamshell foldables have become cheaper as more brands have entered the market and production has scaled up, bringing them closer to premium bar-type smartphone alternatives. Meanwhile, book-type foldables remain positioned at the higher end as brands integrate larger displays, better hinges, bigger batteries, improved cameras, and more productivity-focused features. As book-type models now account for a larger share of total foldable shipments, they are driving the overall ASP higher.

Foldable Smartphone Average Selling Price* Trend by Form Factor

The following price-band data shows the shift more clearly. In 2025, more than half of the foldable smartphones were priced below $1,200 on a wholesale basis, while one in three foldables was priced above $1,600. However, in 2026, models priced above $1,600 are expected to account for 60% of shipments, while those under $1,200 are expected to fall below 30%.

Foldable Smartphone Shipment Share by Price* Range

Large screens are already facilitating an improved experience while watching videos, reading, and browsing the web, but now the more important point is productivity. As smartphone AI evolves from providing simple answers to running tasks and Agent AI workflows, users need more screen space to check information, compare results, monitor multiple instructions, and move between apps. Big displays help users review AI deliverables, track ongoing tasks, and make it easier to travel between email, calendar, and messaging apps without losing context.

Apple's entry in the foldable market is also expected to further boost the upward ASP trend by keeping market attention on high-priced segments. This will increase interest in software continuity, app support, and productivity across foldable categories and help establish foldables as a higher-value segment within the smartphone market.

Commenting on the foldable smartphone segment’s growing ASP, Liz Lee, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, said, "Foldable smartphones, positioned by OEMs at higher price points with greater margin buffers to absorb component cost increases, are attracting less price-sensitive early adopters and premium users willing to pay for productivity, efficiency, and a stronger mobile experience. Foldables with large screens, especially book-type models, will offer a relatively distinct value-added opportunity in the smartphone market as a form factor suitable for AI-assisted multitasking."

About Counterpoint Research

Counterpoint Research is a global market research firm specializing in products across the technology ecosystem. We advise a diverse range of clients – from smartphone OEMs to chipmakers and channel players to Big Tech – through our offices located in the world's major innovation hubs, manufacturing clusters and commercial centers. Our analyst team, led by seasoned experts, engages with stakeholders across the enterprise – from the C-suite to professionals in strategy, analyst relations (AR), market intelligence (MI), business intelligence (BI), product and marketing – to deliver services spanning market data, industry thought leadership and consulting. Our core areas of coverage include AI, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Displays, eSIM, IoT, Location Platforms, Macroeconomics, Manufacturing, Networks and Infrastructure, Semiconductors, Smartphones and Wearables. Visit our Insights page to explore our publicly available market data, insights and thought leadership, and to understand our focus, meet our analysts and start a conversation.

Follow Counterpoint Research

Twitter
LinkedIn