It seemed only science fiction when until a few years ago we thought of a folding smartphone, able to transform and double the surface of the display, fantasizing about the countless features that we would have available. And so in 2019, it was Samsung who massively produced the first example of folding, or the Galaxy Fold.
Folding was a niche market, and in a sense it still is, but with the arrival of the acclaimed Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3, the success of this category of device has taken hold more and more, going beyond the sales expectations, quoting at 1,1% of shipments globally, with constant growth and destined to increase in the coming years.
Foldable smartphones are advancing in the market and already account for 1,1% of sales
The data was revealed by the American consulting firm International Data Corporation (IDC), revealing in a report the figure just mentioned, corresponding to approximately 13,5 million units, out of a total of 1352 billion phones sold globally.
Impressive numbers on a global scale that make 1,1% market share seem like a no brainer, but in reality, given the high prices these products are placed on the market and their format not exactly as an average user, the result appears to be everything respect, also in consideration of the growth in sales that will not stop in the coming years, assisted by increasingly advanced technology.
According to IDC, the foldable smartphone market will have sustained growth of 38,7% through mid-2026, which would lead to a market share of 2,8%. A niche market, which could gradually become within everyone's reach if the price were to suffer a reduction.
Could we therefore bid farewell to the classic mid-range devices and embrace premium folding? Personally I don't hope so and what do you think instead?
