Since the 2019 Samsung Fold, book-style folding phones have come a long way. From being all bulky and riddled with compromises to being as practical as a slab phone, more and more people are now comfortable jumping onto the bandwagon. Hence, it is no surprise that the latest Counterpoint report shows a major adoption rate for book-style foldables in 2026.
Book-style folding phones could go mainstream this year
The latest Counterpoint Research Global Foldable Smartphone Shipment report of 2026 predicts that more and more consumers will ditch their slab phones and love for clamshell folds, to prefer the book-style form factor. Even brands like Samsung and Oppo are banking big on the large screen foldable trend, especially with the iPhone Fold debuting in 2026.
As per the initial data estimates, the report indicates a net 65% book-style phone shipment volume in 2026, with only 35% accounting for flip phones. This is a 13% surge when compared to the 52% shipment volume in 2025. It is a clear indication in shift in consumer preferences when choosing between options beyond the traditional slab phones.
This is also a win-win deal for smartphone OEMs. Compared to clamshell smartphones, book-style folds cost exponentially more, making them a much more profitable prospect, especially since they target profits over volume. Coupled with the current RAM price hike situation, Counterpoint analyst Tarun Pathak predicts that more and more users will enter the premiumisation phase, with folding phones being the top priority.
Rising smartphone costs have driven away the value narrative from the low-to-mid range segment. This makes book-style foldables well positioned to deliver to top-of-the-line specs which still charge a premium that doesn't erode the overall profitability.
Hence, 2026 is the perfect year for book-style folding phones to finally take off. An early iPhone Fold market share forecast revealed a staggering 22% capture of the foldables market, with over 34% of the market revenue in the very first year. This indicates that the demand is there. Even Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 demand outpaced supply in countries like South Korea.
That said, 2026 is an important year book-style foldables in general and the foldable market in particular. As more and more customers value big screen realestate and productivity, clamshell phones could soon become a thing of the past.
