Worldwide Foldable Phone Forecast, 2024-2028

This IDC study presents our updated five-year forecast for foldable phone shipments worldwide. The worldwide foldable phone market will reach 25 million devices in 2024, up 37.6% from the 18.1 million units shipped in 2023. Total foldable shipments worldwide will reach 45.7 million units by 2028, resulting in a CAGR of 20.3% for 2023-2028."Foldables were a hard sell in 2023, as many vendors struggled to move significant inventory," said Anthony Scarsella, research director with IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. "Our previous forecast had 2023 finishing with 20.4 million units but finished 11% short with only 18 million. Despite the 45% growth in the fourth quarter, the market has not fully embraced the form factor. High prices and longevity remain a challenge to both consumers and vendors. Price cuts, increased durability, and perhaps a certain brand joining the party could be the catalyst in the years to come."