Wide Foldable Phones’ Sales Expected to Surge Thanks to Apple and Samsung

The foldable smartphone market is anticipated to experience significant growth in 2026, with an expected increase of 44% in global shipments of foldable smartphone displays. This surge in demand is largely attributed to the growing popularity of wider foldable phones, which will be fueled by the introduction of Apple’s iPhone Duo and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8.

According to market research firm Omdia, global shipments of foldable smartphone displays are set to rise from 2025 to 2026, following a 12% decline in the previous year. The firm predicts that manufacturers will ship approximately 29 million foldable displays in 2026. However, it is important to note that these figures pertain to internal foldable displays rather than finished smartphones, and actual foldable phone sales may differ due to the time required for assembly and delivery.

Samsung Display, a leading supplier of foldable screens for both the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and iPhone Duo, is projected to capture 66% of the global foldable display market in 2026. Competing display manufacturers, such as BOE, China Star, Tianma, and Visionox, are expected to lose market share as demand for wider foldable devices continues to increase.

Despite the overall growth forecast for foldable smartphones, demand for these devices remains relatively weak in China. However, the report suggests that more Chinese smartphone manufacturers are considering entering the wide-foldable segment, which could lead to increased competition in the coming years.

The forecast also highlights the dominance of low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology in the production of foldable displays in 2026. While LTPO panels are more expensive than low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) alternatives, they offer superior control over screen refresh rates. This feature makes LTPO displays a preferred choice for premium foldable smartphones, contributing to the overall growth of the market.