Worldwide shipments of foldable smartphone screens are projected to jump in 2027 due to rising interest in wider foldable handsets, propelled by the Apple iPhone Duo and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. This projected demand points toward a stronger period for wide foldables, coming after an anticipated rebound in the broader foldable display market during 2026.
Market research organization Omdia states that worldwide shipments of foldable smartphone displays will likely grow by 44 percent in 2026, coming after a 12 percent drop last year. The company anticipates that producers will ship about 29 million foldable screens this year.
Yet, these numbers represent internal foldable displays rather than complete mobile phones. Consequently, screen shipments might not align perfectly with actual foldable phone purchases due to the time required to build and ship finished units.
Samsung Display Takes the Lead
Samsung Display, providing foldable panels for the Galaxy Z Fold8 alongside the iPhone Duo, is projected to secure 66 percent of the worldwide foldable screen market in 2026.
At the same time, rival screen makers like BOE, China Star, Tianma, and Visionox are projected to drop market share.
The projection indicates that Samsung Display will solidify its standing as interest in wider foldable products grows.
Competition in China
Omdia likewise noted that interest in foldable phones stays soft inside China.
Still, additional Chinese mobile phone makers are weighing entry into the wide foldable category, which might boost rivalry in upcoming years.
Huawei stood out among the initial producers to launch the wider foldable style, while alternative brands took longer to embrace the layout.
LTPO Displays Dominate
The study likewise forecasts that the majority of foldable screens built in 2026 will rely on low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology.
Even though LTPO panels demand higher expenses than low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) choices, they deliver superior refresh rate management.
This enables producers to modify screen refresh rates more effectively, establishing LTPO screens as the favored choice for high-end foldable mobile phones.
Ultimately, the projection from Omdia points to a recovery for foldable screen shipments in 2026, with wider units and Samsung Display anticipated to drive the expansion.
