Foldable Phones: A Flop or Just Ahead of Their Time?
Once heralded as the next big thing in mobile technology, foldable smartphones seem to be faltering in the real world. Despite years of innovation, marketing hype, and billions in R&D, consumer interest in these futuristic devices is cooling off fast. Particularly in India, one of the world’s largest and most competitive smartphone markets, foldable phones have failed to gain traction. According to industry experts and recent market data, their journey from novelty to necessity appears stalled.
India’s Cold Reception
India, known for its price-sensitive and tech-savvy consumer base, has been particularly lukewarm towards foldables. Data from research firm IDC reveals a stark decline in shipments—down nearly 47% in 2024. The downward trend has continued into the first half of 2025, with another 20% drop in foldable smartphone sales. Market insiders say the devices are “too expensive for mass adoption,” with most models priced far above what average Indian consumers are willing to spend.
Nabila Popal, Research Director at IDC, summed it up succinctly: “The foldable phone is still a niche product in India. For it to succeed, it needs to be more durable, affordable, and have a clearer value proposition compared to slab phones.”
What Went Wrong?
So, why have foldables flopped in a market that embraces smartphones so enthusiastically? There are several reasons:
- High Cost
Most foldable devices are premium-priced. Samsung’s Z Fold and Z Flip series, for instance, start at well over ₹1,00,000 (approx. $1,200). For many consumers, this cost is unjustifiable, especially when non-folding flagship models offer comparable performance at lower prices. - Durability Concerns
Foldable screens, by their very nature, are more delicate. The flexible OLED technology used in these phones is still maturing, and users remain skeptical about long-term reliability. Many consumers fear hinge failures, screen creases, and breakages that typical phones don’t encounter. - Limited Practical Benefits
While foldables offer the allure of a larger screen in a compact form factor, many users don’t see the feature as a must-have. For most day-to-day tasks—messaging, social media, video calls—a standard phone works just as well. The added complexity and weight often feel more like a gimmick than a game-changer. - Repair and Support Woes
Foldable phones are not only costlier to buy but also to repair. Spare parts are expensive, and service centers aren’t always equipped to handle these specialized devices. This has added to consumer hesitancy.
Global Picture Not Much Brighter
India’s experience mirrors global trends. In Europe, for example, foldables accounted for just 1.5% of total smartphone shipments in the first quarter of 2025. According to Counterpoint Research, the segment grew by only 4% year-over-year—a fraction of the growth rates seen in other categories like mid-range 5G phones.
A report by TechInsights echoed this sentiment, stating that while foldables created buzz in their early days, they haven’t crossed over into the mainstream. “The wow factor wore off,” says the report, “but the price didn’t.”
Samsung Leads, But Others Retreat
Samsung remains the torchbearer of the foldable revolution. The tech giant recently launched the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 with AI-powered features, enhanced durability, and better screen designs. But even Samsung’s dominance isn’t enough to shift the market dynamics on its own.
Other brands are more cautious. OnePlus has postponed its Open 2 foldable phone, citing the need for more robust design and cost optimizations before entering a more competitive phase. Motorola, another early player in this space, is now focusing more on budget-friendly devices and traditional models that perform well in emerging markets.
Is Apple Waiting in the Wings?
Interestingly, Apple has not yet entered the foldable fray. Rumors suggest that a foldable iPhone may launch in late 2026, but the company seems to be waiting for the right moment—when the technology matures and user demand solidifies. Apple’s reluctance to rush in may reflect a more prudent strategy: let others fail first, then perfect the formula.
The Future: Course Correction or Dead End?
Foldable smartphones are clearly at a crossroads. While they remain impressive feats of engineering, they have yet to prove themselves as essential tools in everyday life. For now, their high price, durability concerns, and limited advantages mean they appeal more to tech enthusiasts than the broader consumer base.
However, this doesn’t necessarily spell doom. As costs come down, designs improve, and use cases evolve—particularly in gaming, multitasking, and content consumption—foldables may find a second wind. But for that to happen, manufacturers must listen to what consumers actually want, not just what engineers can build.
Until then, the foldable dream is on hold. And in markets like India, where value reigns supreme, that dream may remain a distant one unless radical changes are made.
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