by The foldable smartphone market has experienced significant growth in recent years owing to rising demand for larger screens and improved portability. Foldable smartphones allow consumers to utilize one device both as a phone and tablet by integrating flexible OLED screens that can be folded or unfolded. Designed with ultrathin flexible glass or polymer layers, foldable screens provide a near-seamless viewing experience across varying form factors. This substantially enhances multimedia consumption and productivity capabilities compared to conventional smartphones. Advancements in manufacturing techniques have enabled phone makers to design durable yet lightweight foldable devices.
The Global foldable smartphone market is estimated to be valued at US$ 26.44 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 9.5% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the foldable smartphone market are Thermo Fisher Scientific, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Liquid Genomics, Inc., AROS Applied Biotechnology A/S, Myriad Genetics, Inc., QIAGEN, Eurofins Scientific, Genomic Health, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Epigenomics AG, and Aepodia.
The key opportunities in the Foldable Smartphone Market Trends include rising demand from tech-savvy millennial consumers and increasing focus among OEMs to commercialize innovative folding designs. Various start-ups are also working on developing affordable devices with flexible screens to tap the mass market potential.
Advancements in material science have enabled the development of ultra-thin flexible glass and polymer films resistant to bending and folding. OLED display manufacturers have optimized screen technologies to provide consistent visual experience across varying form factors. Improved hinge mechanisms now allow devices to withstand hundreds of thousands of folds without damage.
Market drivers
The growing demand for larger immersive screens for media consumption and productivity on-the-go is a key driver for the foldable smartphone market. Integrated flexible displays allow using devices both as a compact smartphone as well as expansive tablet, fulfilling evolving consumer needs. Increasing R&D investments by top brands to launch more durable and affordable folding designs will boost commercialization. Early 5G network rollout will further fuel demand by enabling advanced bendable AR/VR applications across form factors.
Current Challenges in Foldable Smartphone Market
The foldable smartphone market is still at a nascent stage and facing many challenges. Some of the key challenges include high manufacturing costs of foldable displays, low adoption due to premium pricing, durability issues of the folding screens, and lack of robust app ecosystem. Additionally, performance issues with some foldable models have dented consumer confidence in this new form factor. However, with technology advancements and economies of scale, prices are expected to come down which will drive higher adoption of these innovative smartphones.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: Innovative design enables larger screen size in compact form factor. Offers unique experience compared to regular smartphones.
Weakness: Higher pricing make them out of reach of mass consumers currently. Durability and reliability concerns around folding screens.
Opportunity: Increased R&D spending by major players to address challenges indicate long term growth prospects. Development of exclusive apps/features can boost demand.
Threats: Stiff competition from regular flagship phones pose marketing challenge. Entry of new players may intensify price wars.
Geographical Regions
Currently, Asia Pacific accounts for over 50% of the global Foldable Smartphone Market value led by early adoption in South Korea. Chinese brands are also aggressively launching affordable models to tap into this growth opportunity. North America and Western Europe are other major regions but unit sales are relatively lower compared to Asia currently due to high price points of most foldable devices.
Foldable Smartphone Market
The foldable smartphone market is projected to grow fastest in Asia Pacific and Latin America during the forecast period. In Asia, growing patent wars and increasing focus of Chinese brands on this segment will fuel rapid uptake. Meanwhile, economic recovery and rising affordability in Latin America will support market expansion, making it the fastest growing regional market for foldables globally by 2030.
