Folding iPhone, the hope of the falling market of folding phones

The foldable smartphone market is facing serious challenges. This market has experienced an annual decline for the first time in its history, and the situation is expected to get even worse. It does, however, highlight one promising point: Apple’s imminent entry into the field with its new foldable iPhone.

According to Tekna news media mobile news service, although folding phones are still in the early stages of their development, it seems that this technology has reached an undesirable tipping point. For the first time, in the third quarter of 2024, the purchase amount of folding display panels decreased compared to the previous year.

From 2019 to 2023, the foldable phone market experienced annual growth of at least 40%, but it is now expected to grow by only 5% in 2024 and decline to 4% in 2025. Demand has stalled at around 22 million panels. The amount of purchases of folding displays in the third quarter of 2024 decreased by 38% compared to last year and is predicted to decrease in four of the next five periods as well. These figures are disappointing news for companies that have banked on foldable phones.

Hoping for a foldable iPhone and changing market equations

Naturally, the aforementioned report predicts that Apple’s foldable iPhone can change the course of this market. Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to launch in late 2026, and DSCC expects this year to be a turning point for the foldable phone market. Apple’s entry into this market, considering the unrivaled position of this company in the field of flagship phones, can bring significant growth to this market.

Although the foldable phone market will experience decline for the first time in 2025, the arrival of Apple in the second half of 2026 could change this trend. Apple, due to its dominant position, will be able to create new demand. Any improvements in the form factor, functionality, uses, or durability of foldable phones could create new demand for this market. Based on this, 2026 is predicted to become a record-breaking year for foldable phones, and this trend will continue with a growth of more than 30%. Also, growth of more than 20% is predicted for 2027 and 2028.

User criticisms of folding phone technology

A user on Twitter has shared his experience with folding phones and pointed out the challenges of this technology. He says:

I have been an Android user for a long time and I have seen many foldable phones. But after some time, their initial charm disappears and its problems become more visible. These devices are much more fragile and expensive. A point that many people don’t pay attention to is the dirtying of the internal screen. Unlike normal phones that are naturally cleaned when placed in a pocket, the inner screen of folding phones remains closed and grease and dirt They are collected inside the device. Additionally, the hinges sound like a small haunted house after a while.

The user goes on to state that although foldable displays are an interesting idea, they may not yet be suitable for the smartphone market.

Will the foldable iPhone revolutionize the market?

If Apple’s foldable iPhone is indeed launched, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on this market. However, relying on the iPhone to completely revive a category in the market raises questions. If this technology has already reached its peak, maybe the problems of other manufacturers are beyond what Apple alone can solve. Can the foldable iPhone change market conditions? This issue will be determined only with the passage of time. What do you think about the declining demand for foldable phones? Do you think the iPhone can change the equation? Share your views with us in the comments section.