IDC: Foldable shipments to reach 48.1 million units by 2027

2023-03-30

Foldable phones have been around for a few years now but their shipments are nowhere near the levels of traditional bar smartphones. The latest IDC report forecasts a healthy increase in the number of foldable shipments in the year to come with an estimated 48.1 million flip and fold devices making their ways to consumers in 2027. At that point, the CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of foldables for the 2022-2027 period is expected to surpass traditional smartphones by tenfold.

IDC: Foldable smartphone shipments projected to reach 48.1 million units by 2027

The new IDC report sees foldables earning a combined 3.5% market share by 2027 compared to the 1.2% for 2022. The foldable market is expected to be worth $42 billion in four years’ time.

Worldwide Foldable Phone Shipments, Market Share, and 2022-2027 CAGR
Form Factor 2022 shipments (million) 2022 market share 2027 shipments (million) 2027 market share 2022-2027 CAGR
Foldable 14.2 1.2% 48.1 3.5% 27.6%
Smartphone 1,191.6 98.8% 1,322.9 96,5% 2.1%
Total 1,205.8 100% 1,371.0 100% 2.6%
Notes: percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
Source: IDC, Worldwide Foldable Smartphone Forecast, 2023–2027, March 2023.

IDC analysts expect foldables to bring 21.4 million combined shipments in 2023 with lower ASPs (average selling prices), improved durability and a plethora of new releases from various brands all boosting their appeal.

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