Foldable iPhone Rumors Spark Hope for Stagnant Market Revival

Folding Phone Industry Slows Down: A Report Reveals a Decline in Shipments

A recent report from Digital Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) has shed light on the current state of the folding phone industry. Despite 2024 being a strong year for foldable releases from Samsung, Google, and other major manufacturers, global shipments of folding displays have declined year-on-year for the first time.

Why the decline?

According to the report, demand for foldable displays decreased by 38% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2024, with a moderate 5% increase in demand expected for the entire year. This drop comes as a surprise, considering the number of well-received flagship foldable releases, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Fewer shipments, more releases

This decline may be attributed to a few smaller phone manufacturers exiting the folding phone sector completely, such as Tecno and Oppo. The report doesn’t provide much information on actual sales of folding phones, but it does focus on foldable handsets as the primary use case for these displays.

A light at the end of the tunnel?

There is, however, a glimmer of hope for the industry. The report suggests that Apple is likely to enter the market in the second half of 2026, with a folding iPhone expected to give a significant boost to the entire folding phone market.

The future of foldables

While we don’t expect folding phones to disappear anytime soon, the report suggests that these powerful devices may remain a niche product, challenging traditional slab form factors. The high price point of foldable devices, which are often more expensive than their non-folding counterparts, may be a significant factor in their limited adoption.

Conclusion

The report from DSCC provides a fascinating insight into the current state of the folding phone industry. While the news may be disappointing for fans of these innovative devices, it’s clear that the market is evolving. If the rumored folding iPhone does indeed emerge, we could see a surge in foldable fever. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see how the industry develops. For more on folding phones, be sure to check out our phones coverage for the latest updates.