Foldable smartphones have evolved rapidly in recent years, with compact flip models making up a significant share of shipments.

However, a new report from Counterpoint Research indicates that large, book-style foldables, such as those from Samsung and Google, could surpass flip phones by a wide margin in 2026.

The firm projects that book-style devices will make up roughly 65 per cent of global foldable smartphone shipments this year, rising from 52 per cent in 2025.

“Book-type devices are projected to account for around 65 per cent of global foldable shipments in 2026, up from 52 per cent in 2025,” the report stated.

As hardware improves, usability increases, and manufacturers grow more confident in premium offerings, the clamshell foldable segment is expected to gradually lose market share.

One reason for this potential shift is that large-screen foldables are increasingly viewed as productivity tools, rather than novelty form factors like flip phones.

The report notes that the Android ecosystem is already adapting, with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 reportedly outselling the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

This points to a future where manufacturers position flip phones as complementary devices within the foldable lineup, focusing on the entry-premium segment while reserving book-style models for higher-end productivity users.

The report also states that Apple is expected to enter the foldable smartphone market with a new book-style device designed for multitasking, document viewing, and media consumption.

“This design direction underscores a clear focus on productivity-driven use cases rather than form-factor experimentation, “the report added.

According to Counterpoint Research, the launch of a book-style folding iPhone could significantly accelerate sales growth in the large-screen foldable segment.

Although flip-style devices initially drove the expansion of the foldable smartphone market, large-screen, book-type models are now becoming the centerpiece of manufacturers’ long-term growth plans.

The firm added that the early experimentation phase for foldables is largely over, with the industry’s focus shifting toward enhancing multitasking on a single, expanded display.