Android book-style foldables expected to dominate in 2026, report says

Source: 9to5Google

Report Summary

New research predicts that the Android and iOS foldable markets will be dominated by book‑style devices rather than smaller clamshell designs, with manufacturers placing greater emphasis on premium, productivity‑focused devices. The latest report from Counterpoint Research forecasts that larger foldables—such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series and Google’s Pixel Fold lineup—will account for 65 % of the global foldable market in 2026. The remaining share will be made up of smaller “clamshell” devices.

Market Share Projections

The report notes that 2026 is expected to mark a shift to a “sustainable expansion phase” for OEMs like Samsung and Google. Current statistics show large foldables holding a 52 % market share in 2025, despite their higher price points and the resulting barrier to entry. This growth suggests users are prioritizing productivity devices with premium specifications, as most large foldables ship with high‑end hardware by default.

OEM Strategies

Samsung has been experimenting with both the Galaxy Z Flip (clamshell) and its Fold series. Recent reports indicate Samsung is leaning toward the larger foldable for several reasons, aligning with the broader market trend. Google is following a similar path with its Pixel Fold lineup.

Apple has not yet released a foldable device. When it does, analysts expect it to be a large‑format device, likely omitting a clamshell design.

Future Outlook

Manufacturers appear to be targeting higher profitability as production costs rise. Premium foldables, often priced above $2,000, are positioned as the most lucrative segment. A projected 62 % share for large foldables over smaller ones reflects a broader trend of deprioritizing clamshell devices, though actual 2026 data is not yet available.