Defense Speak Interpreted: JADC2—Why It’s More Relevant Than Ever in Drone Warfare
Beyond the Board: Orbital High Ground—Why Space Superiority Is Slipping Away
The Government Circuit: Trump’s Trade War Disrupts the Electronics Ecosystem
Foldable Phone Shipments Gradually Rise, Market Penetration Expected to Reach Nearly 5% by 2028
June 4, 2024 | TrendForceEstimated reading time: 1 minute
TrendForce reports that shipments of foldable phones are expected to reach 17.8 million units in 2024, making up only 1.5% of the smartphone market. Despite high repair rates and costs, market penetration is projected to climb to 4.8% by 2028.
Samsung, a trailblazer in the foldable phone market, commanded over 80% of the market share in 2022. However, with increasing competition from various brands in 2023–2024, Samsung’s share dropped from 60% and it now struggles to maintain 50%.
Huawei made significant strides with its 4G Pocket S in 2023, boosting its market share to 12%. In 2024, Huawei released upgraded 5G models like the Mate X5 and Pocket 2. Additionally, they are set to launch the world’s first tri-fold phone in Q3, which could potentially raise their market share to nearly 30%.
Pricing advantage helps Motorola and Nubia stand out in the 2024 foldable phone market
Other brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo struggled to grow their foldable phone sales, with each falling below 1 million units. Meanwhile, Motorola made a strong entrance with its Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra—priced between CNY 3,999 to 5,699—and likely to exceed 1 million units while capturing a 6% market share.
One key factor attracting customers to foldable phones is pricing, prompting brands to focus on boosting display performance, and reducing creasing, while also cutting overall costs. Chinese brand Nubia launched the Nubia Flip in Japan this year at a competitive US$499. Besides Japan and China, Nubia has started pre-sales in various markets, with promising sales prospects. TrendForce notes that the Nubia Flip likely uses hinges from Chinese suppliers and foldable OLED panels from Chinese panel makers, significantly lowering product costs to achieve a competitive price point.
Rumors about Apple entering the foldable phone market continue to circulate. TrendForce notes that Apple is still evaluating component specifications and performance, with strict requirements for crease and reliability. Apple is unlikely to release a foldable phone before 2027, but its entry could significantly shift market dynamics.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
07/25/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007In industry news this past week, I’m putting a focus on sustainability in electronics by highlighting my interview with Kelly Scanlon and Corey Dehmey, and Nolan Johnson’s Meet the Author podcast with Beth Turner of MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. I also chose to spotlight the M&A activity and outlook in the U.S. market and regional market news in India and Mexico.
Accelerated Brand Expansion Reshapes Foldable Phone Market; Apple’s 2026 Entry May Ignite Industry Breakthrough
07/22/2025 | TrendForceTrendForce’s latest forecast estimates that shipments of foldable phones will reach 19.8 million units in 2025, maintaining a market penetration rate of around 1.6%, on par with 2024.
Punching Out: M&A North American PCB and EMS Deals for the First Half of 2025
07/23/2025 | Tom Kastner -- Column: Punching Out!As we entered 2025, the M&A deal world was prepared for a busy year in electronics, plus sentiment for the overall M&A market was bullish. We had “a deal guy” entering the White House, and he’d pledged to support U.S. manufacturing. All signals were green. However, to date, M&A deals this year are around the same as in the first half of 2024.
ViTrox’s HITS 5.0 Empowers Global Partners with Innovative Solutions and Stronger Bonds
07/16/2025 | ViTroxViTrox, strives to be the World’s Most Trusted Technology Company, proudly announces the successful conclusion of its fifth edition of High Impact Training for Sales (HITS 5.0), held from 23rd to 27th June 2025 at ViTrox Campus 2.0 and 3.0, located in Batu Kawan Industrial Park, Penang, Malaysia.
The Marketing Minute: The First Step to More Sales—Marketing
07/16/2025 | Brittany Martin -- Column: The Marketing MinuteIn today’s competitive B2B landscape, marketing is no longer just a support role; it’s the starting line. Before a PO is ever submitted, marketing has already laid the foundation for the sale. These days, buyers are more informed, selective, and self-guided than ever, and marketing is how they find, evaluate, and build trust in your company.