Global PCB Connections: Rigid-flex and Flexible PCBs—The Backbone of Modern Electronics
Flexible Thinking: The Key to a Successful Flex Circuit Design Transfer
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
Foldable Phone Shipments Gradually Rise, Market Penetration Expected to Reach Nearly 5% by 2028
June 4, 2024 | TrendForceEstimated reading time: 1 minute
TrendForce reports that shipments of foldable phones are expected to reach 17.8 million units in 2024, making up only 1.5% of the smartphone market. Despite high repair rates and costs, market penetration is projected to climb to 4.8% by 2028.
Samsung, a trailblazer in the foldable phone market, commanded over 80% of the market share in 2022. However, with increasing competition from various brands in 2023–2024, Samsung’s share dropped from 60% and it now struggles to maintain 50%.
Huawei made significant strides with its 4G Pocket S in 2023, boosting its market share to 12%. In 2024, Huawei released upgraded 5G models like the Mate X5 and Pocket 2. Additionally, they are set to launch the world’s first tri-fold phone in Q3, which could potentially raise their market share to nearly 30%.
Pricing advantage helps Motorola and Nubia stand out in the 2024 foldable phone market
Other brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo struggled to grow their foldable phone sales, with each falling below 1 million units. Meanwhile, Motorola made a strong entrance with its Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra—priced between CNY 3,999 to 5,699—and likely to exceed 1 million units while capturing a 6% market share.
One key factor attracting customers to foldable phones is pricing, prompting brands to focus on boosting display performance, and reducing creasing, while also cutting overall costs. Chinese brand Nubia launched the Nubia Flip in Japan this year at a competitive US$499. Besides Japan and China, Nubia has started pre-sales in various markets, with promising sales prospects. TrendForce notes that the Nubia Flip likely uses hinges from Chinese suppliers and foldable OLED panels from Chinese panel makers, significantly lowering product costs to achieve a competitive price point.
Rumors about Apple entering the foldable phone market continue to circulate. TrendForce notes that Apple is still evaluating component specifications and performance, with strict requirements for crease and reliability. Apple is unlikely to release a foldable phone before 2027, but its entry could significantly shift market dynamics.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Schweizer Ends Staff Restructuring Measures and Short-Time Working at the Schramberg Site
10/01/2025 | Schweizer Electronic AGSchweizer Electronic AG has implemented comprehensive measures to adjust its cost and personnel structure at its Schramberg site due to strong market fluctuations in the automotive and industrial electronics sector. Thanks to the successful restructuring, short-time working can now be ended with immediate effect. A stable order situation is expected for the fourth quarter, with signs of growth momentum returning in 2026.
American Standard Circuits to Exhibit at the Battery Show 2025
09/24/2025 | American Standard CircuitsAmerican Standard Circuits/ASC Sunstone Circuits will be exhibiting at the Battery Show North America to be held at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan, October 6-9, 2025.
LPKF Strengthens Structural Resilience: 'North Star' Initiative Aims to Secure Long-term Profitability
09/16/2025 | LPKFLPKF Laser & Electronics SE has launched the "North Star" initiative, a far-reaching package of measures designed to strengthen the company's long-term profitability.
The Marketing Minute: Cracking the Code of Technical Marketing
09/17/2025 | Brittany Martin -- Column: The Marketing MinuteMarketing is never a one-size-fits-all endeavor, but the challenges are magnified for highly technical industries like electronics. Products and processes are complex, audiences are diverse, and the stakes are high, especially when your customers are engineers, decision-makers, and global partners who depend on your expertise.
Beyond the Board: What Companies Need to Know Before Entering the MilAero PCB Market
09/16/2025 | Jesse Vaughan -- Column: Beyond the BoardThe MilAero electronics supply chain offers opportunities for manufacturers that are both prestigious and strategically important. Serving prime contractors and Tier-1 suppliers can mean long-term program stability and the satisfaction of contributing to national security. At the same time, this sector is unlike commercial electronics in almost every respect. Success requires more than technical capabilities, it requires patience, preparation, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of how the business model differs.