The foldable smartphone market, which has seen rapid growth in recent years, has hit a setback. According to DSCC, Q3 2024 marked the first-ever year-over-year decline in foldable smartphone sales, with further decline expected through 2025.
The market, which had grown by 40% annually from 2019-2023, is now projected to see only 5% growth in 2024, followed by a 4% drop in 2025.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone: A Potential Game-Changer
Despite the downturn, Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone, set for release in late 2026, is expected to rejuvenate the market.
With Apple’s influence and its reputation for improving new technologies, the foldable iPhone could drive significant demand and spark growth in the foldable segment. Analysts forecast a 30% growth for foldables in 2026, largely due to Apple’s entry into the market.
The Bigger Picture: Will Apple Be Enough?
While Apple’s foldable iPhone is seen as a game-changer, it’s unclear if it will be enough to fully turn around the foldable market. The overall industry has struggled, and competitors may need more than Apple’s influence to overcome the decline.
Apple’s foldable iPhone could reshape the foldable smartphone category, but with the market already facing challenges, its success remains uncertain.
As the release approaches, it will be interesting to see how Apple addresses these hurdles and whether other manufacturers can adapt.
