A new report from Counterpoint Research suggests that book-style Android foldables will dominate the foldable phone market in 2026. The market research firm estimates that this format—which folds horizontally—will dominate about 65% of global foldable shipments in 2026, up from just over half in 2025. The prediction dovetails with manufacturers’ recent attempts to achieve crease-free folding displays, including the one Samsung showed off at CES this year.
Counterpoint’s analysis covers both Android and iOS devices, even though there are no Apple foldables just yet. Still, Android brands like Samsung, Motorola, Google, Honor, Oppo, and Xiaomi remain on track to drive most of the volume.
Analysts say users increasingly treat book-style foldables as tablet replacements, as they open into larger displays that support multitasking, productivity, and even gaming. Brands can price these phones higher than clamshell models, thereby increasing average selling prices. This prediction aligns with earlier forecasts from IDC and Omdia.
Clamshell foldables will likely remain in manufacturers’ portfolios as more affordable Android foldable options, but research firms say their share will decline. Manufacturers still find flip-style designs valuable for buyers who prioritize aesthetics or want a smaller, more compact device. However, they now treat large foldables as more effective halo products that carry top-tier chipsets, larger batteries, and better camera hardware.