According to Counterpoint Research, global shipments of foldable smartphone panels fell by 13% in the first half of 2026. The decline was driven by a 62% drop in clamshell-style panels, while large, book-style foldable panels saw a 35% increase. By the second quarter, large-format panels captured 78% of the market share, up from 50% a year prior.
Samsung Display led the market in the second quarter with a 66% share, marking a 13.5 percentage point increase, while BOE's share fell to 22%. For the full year 2026, shipments are projected to grow by 23% compared to 2025, with the second half expected to account for 61% of the annual total. Apple is anticipated to contribute 27% of total shipments in 2026, with all activity occurring in the second half.
The market shift toward book-style foldables is expected to continue. Large-format panels are forecast to grow by 107% in 2026, reaching an 81% market share. Conversely, clamshell panels are expected to decline by 59%. By 2030, total foldable panel shipments are projected to grow by 74%, with Apple reaching a 42% brand share, while Samsung and Huawei are expected to see their respective shares decrease to 24% and 15%.
The report highlights that new product launches from major smartphone brands remain the primary driver for panel supplier performance. The industry expects a recovery in 2026, supported by the entry of Apple and continued growth in the large-format segment, which is set to dominate the foldable landscape through 2030.
