Global Foldable Smartphone Market Forecast, Q1 2026 (May 2026 Update)
Overview
Global foldable smartphone shipments are expected to grow 21% YoY in 2026. Q1 and Q2 are both expected to remain below last year’s levels, but shipments should recover quickly in H2 as the launch cycle becomes much heavier. The biggest change in 2026 is the stronger shift toward book-type models, especially wider book-type designs. Book-type shipment share is expected to rise sharply to 76%, from 52% in 2025, while clamshell share is expected to fall to 24%. 2026 growth is less about all foldable formats expanding at the same pace and more about larger premium book-type models taking a bigger role. H2 will be especially important, with several premium launches expected to support the rebound. Apple’s expected entry, in particular, should bring more attention to the wide book-type category.
Table of Contents
- Key Assumptions
- Foldable Smartphone Shipment Forecast by Region
- Foldable Smartphone Shipment Forecast by OEM
- * Pivot Table : Region x OEM
- Foldable Smartphone Shipment Forecast by Priceband
- Foldable Smartphone Shipment Forecast by Model
- Flatfile
Published Date: June 2026
Category
Industry
Smartphone
Service
Smartphone Foldables
Report Type
Report
Time Period
Quarterly
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Author
Liz Lee
Liz, an Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, has 14+ years of extensive experience in the tech industry. Previously, Liz worked for Samsung SDI focusing on IR (Investor Relations) along with insight-based analysis of emerging tech markets and corporate strategies. She holds an International MBA degree from Waseda Business School.