Book-style foldable phones will be a big hit this year. One report predicts that shipments of book-style foldables will peak in 2026.

Book-style foldable phone shipments will increase significantly this year

The craze for foldable phones has increased over the past few years. Now, a recent report suggests that book-style foldable phones will continue to be popular this year, but demand for flip phones will decline. It's worth noting that companies like Samsung and Google have already established themselves in the foldable segment. While Samsung leads the segment with phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Google recently launched the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Apple may also launch a book-style foldable iPhone this year.

The demand for foldables will increase more than for flips.

A Counterpoint Research report states that in 2026, demand for large-screen, book-style foldable phones will exceed that of flip phones. In 2025, book-style foldable phones represented 52 percent of global foldable phone shipments. This number is expected to increase to 65 percent this year. On the other hand, demand for flip phones is projected to decline. A major reason for this is that people are purchasing large-screen foldable phones as productivity-focused devices, while the flip phone form factor is no longer new to them.

Apple will explode

Apple's first foldable phone has been long-awaited. This wait will finally end in September this year when Apple launches the iPhone Fold. Counterpoint says that Apple's book-style iPhone could see a significant increase in sales in this segment. Apple also has high hopes for this iPhone. The report also states that the initial phase of foldable phones is over and now the focus is on making multitasking easier.