The most anticipated smartphone series of this year.

Foldable smartphones will see many new designs, alongside the highly anticipated iPhone Fold.

Some examples of foldable smartphones currently available. Photo: CNET .

After a period of testing and market assessment, foldable smartphones are becoming increasingly popular. Analysts predict this market will grow by double digits by 2026, as manufacturers launch many new devices.

According to market research firm IDC , foldable smartphone sales are estimated to increase by 10% in 2025 compared to 2024. In 2026, the increase could be even stronger (30%) with the introduction of foldable iPhones.

Besides dual-folding smartphones, companies like Samsung and Huawei are also developing triple-folding smartphones, expanding their size for use as large tablets. Combined with positive forecasts from the tech industry, the foldable smartphone market this year promises to be very interesting.

Positive forecast

According to CNET , Huawei is almost at the forefront of the trend with groundbreaking foldable smartphones, such as the triple-folding Mate XT (launched before Samsung) and the compact foldable Pura X.

Data from IDC shows that Huawei leads the Chinese foldable smartphone market, with a market share of 68.9% in Q3 2025. This is a very large number for any brand, especially when the foldable market sees many competitors, including Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and others.

In 2026, all eyes will be on the foldable iPhone (tentatively called the iPhone Fold). This device is expected to contribute significantly to global foldable smartphone sales in 2026. Specifically, the iPhone Fold could capture over 20% of the market share and 34% of the market value of foldable smartphones in 2026, thanks to its projected price of $2,400 .

Huawei Mate XT. Photo: The Verge .

Francisco Jeronimo, Vice President of Client Devices at IDC , believes the iPhone Fold will mark a turning point for foldable smartphones.

“This move is likely to increase product awareness and attract user interest. Apple typically promotes the widespread adoption of new products. While foldable smartphones will continue to be a niche segment in terms of sales, this will be a value-boosting factor for most manufacturers because the average selling price is three times higher than standard smartphones,” Jeronimo commented.

In 2025, IDC predicts global foldable smartphone sales will reach 20.6 million units, a 10% increase from the previous year. By 2026, the arrival of the iPhone Fold, Galaxy Z TriFold, and Z Fold7 will create significant growth momentum.

Accordingly, the foldable smartphone market is expected to grow by 30% in 2026, instead of the previously predicted 6%. Besides Apple and Samsung, Huawei devices with their HarmonyOS Next platform will become more common.

More options for users

Based on rumors, the iPhone Fold will have a passport-sized aspect ratio. According to CNET , this means there will be four different types of foldable smartphones by 2026, offering more options for those who want to experience the new design.

Currently, book-folding smartphones are the most popular type. Some notable models in this segment include the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Oppo Find N5, and Honor Magic V5. When unfolded, they become small tablets, quite suitable for web browsing or reading thanks to their nearly square screen aspect ratios. A series of improvements in battery and hinge technology have helped manufacturers reduce thickness and fold depth, creating a better user experience.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7. Photo: The Verge .

Overall, book-folding smartphones will remain popular in 2026, targeting people who frequently work on their phones, need a larger-than-usual screen, but don't want to carry a separate tablet. Next will be clamshell-folding smartphones like the Galaxy Z Flip7 or Motorola Razr. When unfolded, the device is the size of a standard smartphone; when folded, it's smaller enough to fit in a pocket or bag.

Besides the two designs mentioned above, 2026 could see the popularity of two new foldable smartphone designs. The first is the tri-fold smartphone, which boasts the most versatile and flexible design.

Examples of triple-folding smartphones include the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold and the Huawei Mate XT. However, these two models have different designs.

Specifically, the Mate XT supports three different usage modes: a regular smartphone, a small tablet, and a large tablet, with a 16:11 aspect ratio for work and entertainment. This is thanks to its Z-shaped folding design, which allows the two screen sections on either side to be opened and locked.

The triple-folding design of the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold (left) and Huawei Mate XT. Photo: CNET .

For comparison, the Galaxy Z TriFold only has two modes: smartphone and large-sized tablet (10 inches), due to the U-shaped folding/unfolding of the screen on both sides. Essentially, the device functions similarly to the Galaxy Tab S tablet series, but can be folded compactly to fit in a pocket.

Finally, there are smartphones that fold like a book, but with a widescreen aspect ratio, easily resembling a passport when opened. Compared to other designs, the wide aspect ratio provides a better movie-watching experience, with less prominent black bars. The Huawei Pura X is an example of this design. Users may recall the Oppo Find N or Google Pixel Fold, but those actually still have square aspect ratios, 8.4:9 and 5:6 respectively, not widescreen.

In contrast, the Pura X's 6.3-inch screen has a 16:10 aspect ratio, suitable for reading news and watching videos . According to CNET 's review, this ratio strikes a good balance between portability and versatility. Users can comfortably hold and use the device when it's open, without it being too bulky.

Huawei Pura X. Photo: The Verge .

Apple is rumored to be opting for a wide aspect ratio for the iPhone Fold. Samsung is also developing a smartphone with a 4:3 screen ratio. According to rumors from ETNews (South Korea), Samsung's product may feature a 5.4-inch external display and support 25W wireless charging. If launched alongside the next-generation Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip (expected in July), Samsung's device would even appear earlier than the iPhone Fold, which is expected to launch in September.

Although foldable smartphones are still expensive, especially the tri-fold design, they are a new addition to the foldable phone market, increasing competition and offering more choices for consumers.

Source: https://znews.vn/smartphone-gap-nam-nay-se-thu-vi-hon-post1621638.html