Despite still very high prices, folding smartphones in “book” format have every chance of becoming the dominant format this year. And with the expected launch of the “iPhone Fold” this fall, this design should definitely prevail over clamshell models.
Putting aside the still confidential “trifold” type smartphones, the small world of folding phones is divided in two: on one side, flip models like Galaxy Z Flip or Razr from Motorola. On the other, book-type devices, with a screen on the outside and a folding screen on the inside. The latter are obviously the most expensive, but they are much more versatile and productive: once unfolded, they offer an experience close to the tablet.
Folding “book” smartphones are on the rise
According to Counterpoint Research, “book” format smartphones will emerge as the main driver of growth in the folding market this year. They should in fact account for 65% of global shipments. In fact, these models have already represented the majority of the segment for two years, but in a much more balanced proportion (51% in 2024, 52% in 2025). Logically, the market share of flip phones will decline, and at the same time reposition themselves in more aesthetic segments.
And SamsungHuawei and the few other manufacturers of “book” type smartphones will continue to drive the market, Counterpoint believes that the expected (but still not confirmed) arrival ofApple should further accelerate the trend. Rumors announce that the Apple firm will launch this fall a model with a screen with a ratio of 1:1.414, a format close to an A4 sheet designed more for consulting documents or multitasking than for playing videos… like an iPad, ultimately.
But be careful, everything will of course depend on the price positioning and when it comes to launching a new premium smartphone, we know that Apple has a heavy hand on the label (and the rumors in the corridors are hardly encouraging on this subject). In any case, Apple’s strength should allow the market to really take off.
On the Android side, the trick is already taken: sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 have reportedly exceeded those of the Flip 7. This is a fairly clear sign that the public now favors large folding formats. It is also rumored that the Korean manufacturer would be planning to launch a second “book” model, with a screen ratio similar to the iPhone Fold. And let’s not forget that Google has already plowed this ground with the Pixel Fold.
The surge in folding “book” smartphones is not due to chance. Manufacturers favor these models due to the soaring prices of components, memory in particular, which has an impact on the entry and mid-range. On the high end, however, the margins are fuller. Now all that’s missing is to offer real multitasking environments: we’ll see what Apple has to offer with iOS, but its experience on iPad should give the Fold a good head start.
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Counterpoint Research
date: 2026-02-12 16:56:00