Foldable Phones: Market Growth Slows
26 April 2025 · Uncategorized ·
Source: · https://www.cnr.cn/tech/techxp/20250407/t20250407_527125611.shtml
Result
This year, OPPO and Huawei have been actively releasing new foldable phone models, demonstrating advancements in flexible screen technology, hinge design, and device thinness. However, industry analysts believe the market is currently undergoing an adjustment period, facing challenges related to technology, cost, and consumer acceptance, which are contributing to a slowdown in growth.
On March 20th, Huawei launched its wide-screen foldable phone, the Pura X, quickly generating significant industry buzz. The device went on sale both online and in physical stores on March 30th, experiencing high demand. Previously, on February 26th, OPPO introduced its slim, large-screen foldable phone, the Find N5, also met with strong market interest.
Since their emergence in 2019, foldable phones have captured consumer attention with their unique design and user experience. Domestic manufacturers have prioritized the release of foldable devices to penetrate the high-end smartphone market.
According to IDC data, Huawei currently leads China's foldable phone market with nearly 50% market share in 2024. Honor holds 20.6%, followed by vivo at 11.1%, and Xiaomi at 7.4%. OPPO secures the fifth position with a 5.3% share.
As the foldable phone market continues to evolve, suppliers of flexible screens and hinges are also expanding their operations.
Companies such as BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd. (000725) are highlighting their competitive advantage in producing flexible AMOLED products suitable for high-end flagship phones.
Despite these efforts from supply chain companies, the short-term slowdown in foldable phone market growth is expected to persist. IDC data indicates that after five years of development, new foldable phone shipments in 2024 represent only 3.2% of total new smartphone shipments. IDC predicts that the foldable phone market will ship approximately one million units by 2025 and will re-enter a phase of noticeable growth after 2026.
“Over the past few years, foldable phone users have primarily been early adopters, with usage scenarios largely concentrated on mobile office work and large-screen entertainment,” stated Gu Tianxiang, research manager at IDC China. “Despite improvements in thinness, battery life, imaging quality, and crease reduction, these products lack additional compelling usage scenarios compared to traditional smartphones, and do not offer a significant advantage in price or overall experience, which limits their broader appeal.”
This year, only Huawei and OPPO have released new foldable phone models. Gu Tianxiang revealed that more domestic companies are adopting a cautious approach to foldable phone development, reducing production targets.
Industry experts suggest that while current market growth is slowing due to challenges related to technology, cost, and consumer acceptance, significant long-term potential remains as technology matures and prices decrease.
This year, OPPO and Huawei have been actively releasing new foldable phone models, demonstrating advancements in flexible screen technology, hinge design, and device thinness. However, industry analysts believe the market is currently undergoing an adjustment period, facing challenges related to technology, cost, and consumer acceptance, which are contributing to a slowdown in growth.
On March 20th, Huawei launched its wide-screen foldable phone, the Pura X, quickly generating significant industry buzz. The device went on sale both online and in physical stores on March 30th, experiencing high demand. Previously, on February 26th, OPPO introduced its slim, large-screen foldable phone, the Find N5, also met with strong market interest.
Since their emergence in 2019, foldable phones have captured consumer attention with their unique design and user experience. Domestic manufacturers have prioritized the release of foldable devices to penetrate the high-end smartphone market.
According to IDC data, Huawei currently leads China's foldable phone market with nearly 50% market share in 2024. Honor holds 20.6%, followed by vivo at 11.1%, and Xiaomi at 7.4%. OPPO secures the fifth position with a 5.3% share.
As the foldable phone market continues to evolve, suppliers of flexible screens and hinges are also expanding their operations.
Companies such as BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd. (000725) are highlighting their competitive advantage in producing flexible AMOLED products suitable for high-end flagship phones.
Despite these efforts from supply chain companies, the short-term slowdown in foldable phone market growth is expected to persist. IDC data indicates that after five years of development, new foldable phone shipments in 2024 represent only 3.2% of total new smartphone shipments. IDC predicts that the foldable phone market will ship approximately one million units by 2025 and will re-enter a phase of noticeable growth after 2026.
“Over the past few years, foldable phone users have primarily been early adopters, with usage scenarios largely concentrated on mobile office work and large-screen entertainment,” stated Gu Tianxiang, research manager at IDC China. “Despite improvements in thinness, battery life, imaging quality, and crease reduction, these products lack additional compelling usage scenarios compared to traditional smartphones, and do not offer a significant advantage in price or overall experience, which limits their broader appeal.”
This year, only Huawei and OPPO have released new foldable phone models. Gu Tianxiang revealed that more domestic companies are adopting a cautious approach to foldable phone development, reducing production targets.
Industry experts suggest that while current market growth is slowing due to challenges related to technology, cost, and consumer acceptance, significant long-term potential remains as technology matures and prices decrease.