Book-style foldables could significantly outsell clamshells for the first time ever

Source: Android Authority

TL;DR

• Book‑style foldables have never outsold their clamshell counterparts by more than a few percent, with 52 % of buyers choosing larger models in 2025.
• In 2026, book‑style foldables are expected to pull away, claiming 65 % of the market in Counterpoint Research’s latest projection.
• Corporate goals, memory shortages, and Apple’s expected entry into the market could drive book‑style foldable growth this year.

Market Outlook

Big‑screen foldable phones are set to have a big year, with market research firm Counterpoint Research expecting the form factor to account for the majority of folding‑phone shipments in 2026. The projections come ahead of Apple’s expected entry into the foldable market later this year.

Larger foldables are typically referred to as book‑ or passport‑style foldables, while smaller ones are often called clamshell foldables or simply flip phones. Historically, users have chosen between these two form factors in nearly equal numbers, but Counterpoint believes that will change.

Projected Share

• 2025: Book‑style devices represented 52 % of foldable shipments.
• 2026 (forecast): Book‑style devices are projected to represent 65 % of all folding phones shipped, making them the industry‑leading form factor.

Factors Driving Growth

• Higher average selling price (ASP): Large foldables sell at higher prices on average, making them appealing to companies seeking premium revenue.
• Productivity advantage: The larger screen enables workflows impossible on traditional smartphones, attracting power users.
• Memory shortage: A tightening supply of RAM for low‑ to mid‑range smartphones is pushing OEMs toward higher‑value devices. As Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint, explained:

“As memory supply tightness becomes increasingly concentrated in components used for low‑ to mid‑range smartphones, concerns around the broader mass‑market outlook are growing. Against this backdrop, OEMs are placing greater emphasis on higher‑value devices, prioritizing profitability over volume. Book‑type foldables are well‑positioned in this shift, as their premium specifications and higher memory configurations support ASP expansion while aligning with value‑led growth strategies.”

Historical Market Share

Samsung led the global foldable market in units shipped last year, reclaiming the top spot after Huawei briefly took the lead in 2024. The South Korean tech giant had led for the four straight years prior.

Foldable phone shipments favored the smaller, clamshell form factor early on:

The gradual upward trend suggests a steady shift toward larger, book‑style devices.

Samsung’s Role

Counterpoint notes that Samsung sold more Galaxy Z Fold 7 units than Galaxy Z Flip 7 units in the second half of 2025. This could serve as a snapshot of changing consumer habits in the foldable market at large.

Apple’s Potential Impact

Apple’s rumored foldable launch is a significant consideration. The report suggests that a book‑style foldable iPhone could “accelerate broader market adoption” in the category. While these are only projections, the entry of a major player like Apple could further boost demand for premium, larger foldables.