Foldable phones seem to be finally catching on. A new report shows that more people bought foldable smartphones in the July to September period of 2025 than in any other quarter so far. Shipments grew by 14 percent, which is a big jump for a category that has taken years to warm up.
The rise was led mainly by Samsung. Its new Galaxy Z Fold7 series did better than expected because the phones are lighter, easier to handle and feel more polished than earlier versions. The hinge is sturdier, the crease on the screen is less visible and the whole device looks more refined, which clearly helped attract more buyers.
Huawei also continued to see strong demand for its Mate foldables in markets where it remains popular. Motorola surprised many by doing really well with its Razr 60 lineup, thanks to good pricing and positive reviews. Smaller brands like HONOR and vivo also added to the growth with their updated foldable models.
Even though foldables still make up a small part of the overall phone market, their steady rise shows that people are now more open to trying these larger-screen devices. Many buyers like the idea of having a phone that opens up into a small tablet for work, reading or entertainment.
The report says that foldable phone sales for the whole of 2025 are likely to end with healthy growth. But the bigger change is expected next year. In 2026, foldables may finally enter the mainstream. Phones are becoming stronger, thinner and lighter, and companies are improving the folding mechanisms so the devices feel more reliable.
A major reason for next year’s excitement is Apple. The company is expected to launch its first foldable phone in the second half of 2026. Apple’s entry usually pushes the entire market forward, and analysts believe its arrival could encourage many more people to try foldable devices.
Because of this upcoming competition, other brands are already stepping up their game. Samsung has even shown off a new tri-fold phone, which opens into three parts. It won’t sell in large numbers right now, but Samsung is treating it as a test device to show what it can do and to understand how real users respond.
Overall, the report suggests that foldable phones are moving past their early, experimental phase. With better designs and more brands joining in, 2026 may be the year when foldables finally become a common sight in the smartphone world.
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