Global foldable smartphone shipments rose 18% YoY in 2025 reach 19.6 million units, driven by both expansion from OEMs as well as rising consumer awareness. However, foldables accounted for only 1.6% of total global smartphone shipments in 2025 and remains a niche segment. Brands are still working on consistently refining the form factor making it thinner, minimizing the crease and improving key specifications like battery and camera.
A larger display in a smaller form factor is the key differentiator for foldables. However, folding the display also means the presence of a crease – which has emerged has one of the key pain points for existing as well as potential consumers. OEMs have been consistently working on creating crease-free displays, and Apple seems to have achieved it in its new foldable smartphone set for launch in H2 2026.
