According to Counterpoint on Saturday, book-type devices are projected to increase their share of the total foldable smartphone market from 52 percent in 2025 to around 65 percent in 2026, accounting for the majority of global foldable shipments. The shift reflects continued improvements in hardware quality and usability, as well as growing manufacturer confidence in high-value form factors.
By contrast, clamshell-style foldables are expected to see a gradual decline in market share as they become positioned primarily as style-focused or complementary offerings within the mid- to upper-priced segment.
Counterpoint also forecasts that Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market will play a meaningful role in this structural shift. Industry observers expect Apple to unveil its first foldable smartphone in the second half of 2026.
The device is widely anticipated to adopt a book-type form factor featuring a wide foldable display with a 1:1.414 aspect ratio, optimized for multitasking, document viewing and content consumption.
While market performance will depend on pricing, launch timing and product positioning, Apple’s entry is expected to significantly influence leadership dynamics within the book-type foldable segment and accelerate broader market adoption.
Android smartphone makers are also adjusting their strategies in response. Samsung Electronics reached a key inflection point in the second half of 2025 as shipments of its Galaxy Z Fold 7 surpassed those of the Galaxy Z Flip 7, signaling improved product maturity for traditional book-type foldables.
Samsung is also reportedly preparing to launch a wider-screen book-type model similar in form factor to what Apple is expected to adopt, aiming to enhance multi-panel productivity features.
The strategic pivot is becoming increasingly visible across the Android ecosystem as vendors reassess their foldable strategies amid profitability and inventory management concerns. While clamshell models played a critical role in expanding the early foldable market, book-type devices are now seen as central to long-term growth.
Motorola unveiled its first book-type foldable at CES 2026, and Google continues to invest in its Pixel Fold lineup.
Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint, said tightening supplies of memory components — particularly those used in mid- and low-end smartphones — are clouding demand visibility in the mass market.
“In this environment, manufacturers are expected to shift their focus from volume expansion to profitability, prioritizing higher-margin products,” Pathak said.
“Book-type foldables, equipped with premium specifications and higher memory configurations, help lift average selling prices and are well positioned within a value-driven growth strategy,” he added.
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