The foldable smartphone panel market is expected to return to growth this year, led by Samsung Electronics and Apple, according to an analysis.
Foldable smartphone panel shipments are projected to reach approximately 27.5 million units this year, up about 24% from last year, according to a quarterly report on foldable display shipments and technology released Friday by global market research firm Counterpoint Research. Revenue is forecast to reach about $4.4 billion, an increase of approximately 48% from the previous year.
Counterpoint said the foldable smartphone panel market is re-entering a growth trajectory this year after a moderate correction last year. Apple's potential entry into the foldable smartphone market was cited as a key factor that could reshape the market landscape this year. With Apple expected to launch its first foldable iPhone, procurement of related panels is projected to expand in earnest from the second half.
According to IT outlet MacRumors, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently raised the possibility that Apple could simultaneously unveil the foldable "iPhone Ultra" alongside the "iPhone 18 Pro" and "iPhone 18 Pro Max." Kuo predicted that the foldable iPhone would be priced in the United States between about $2,299 (approximately 3.51 million won) and $2,499 (approximately 3.82 million won). He added that despite the high price, it is likely to sell out immediately after pre-orders open.
Not to be outdone by Apple, Samsung Electronics has also signaled a revamp of its foldable phone lineup. According to industry sources, Samsung Electronics will release a new foldable phone with a different aspect ratio from the existing Galaxy Z Fold and Flip at its Unpacked event in July. The move is seen as a strategy to prepare for intensifying competition in the foldable phone market.
The new product, known as the "Wide Fold" (tentative name), is expected to break from the existing aspect ratio and take on a wider form. According to foreign media, the "Wide Fold" is expected to feature a 7.6-inch QHD+ internal display. The screen ratio will be 4:3, with a wider horizontal orientation. The cover display is expected to be 5.4 inches with a 16:10 aspect ratio. While the screen size is smaller than the existing Z Fold 7 (8-inch internal, 6.5-inch cover), analysts say the wider form will improve the user experience in tasks such as web browsing and multitasking. Samsung Electronics' next-generation foldable phone is also expected to be priced above the 3 million won range.
Counterpoint expects the product expansion by Samsung Electronics and Apple to support overall revenue growth. However, this year's growth is expected to be concentrated in the second half. Counterpoint projected that second-half shipments this year will account for about 64% of the annual total. It added that the success of the market rebound will depend on Samsung Electronics' new product launch cycle, Apple's expansion of foldable iPhone production, and whether Chinese smartphone makers release follow-up products.
