Demand for foldable smartphone displays has stalled; however, Apple's rumored entry into the market could reinvigorate sales, according to a new report from Display Supply Chain Consultants.
While the foldable smartphone market experienced annual sales growth of at least 40% from 2019 to 2023, it is expected to grow by only 5% in 2024 and decline by 4% in 2025. Demand has reportedly stalled at around 22 million panels per year. Procurement decreased by 38% year-over-year in Q3 2024 and is expected to decline in four of the next five quarters.
Notably, DSCC suggests that Apple could be the company to reverse this trend.
Although the market has stalled and will decline for the first time on a panel procurement basis in 2025, there is reason for optimism. Apple is expected to enter the foldable market in 2H'26 and given their dominant position in flagship smartphones could generate significant growth for the foldable smartphone market. Any improvement in form factor, functionality, use cases, durability, etc. could drive new demand for this market. As a result, 2026 is expected to be a record year for foldables with over 30% growth and with over 20% growth projected for 2027 and 2028 as well. In addition, we expect at least one other brand to adopt a tri-fold in 2026 and expect to see the first slidable laptop in 2025 with more models coming in 2026.
More details on why some companies have been discontinuing their clamshell efforts in the full report linked below...
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While the foldable smartphone market experienced annual sales growth of at least 40% from 2019 to 2023, it is expected to grow by only 5% in 2024 and decline by 4% in 2025. Demand has reportedly stalled at around 22 million panels per year. Procurement decreased by 38% year-over-year in Q3 2024 and is expected to decline in four of the next five quarters.
Notably, DSCC suggests that Apple could be the company to reverse this trend.
Although the market has stalled and will decline for the first time on a panel procurement basis in 2025, there is reason for optimism. Apple is expected to enter the foldable market in 2H'26 and given their dominant position in flagship smartphones could generate significant growth for the foldable smartphone market. Any improvement in form factor, functionality, use cases, durability, etc. could drive new demand for this market. As a result, 2026 is expected to be a record year for foldables with over 30% growth and with over 20% growth projected for 2027 and 2028 as well. In addition, we expect at least one other brand to adopt a tri-fold in 2026 and expect to see the first slidable laptop in 2025 with more models coming in 2026.
More details on why some companies have been discontinuing their clamshell efforts in the full report linked below...
Read More