IDC: Foldable shipments will reach 48.1 million units by 2027

Foldable phones have been around for a few years now, but their shipments fall far short of the levels of traditional bar smartphones. The last IDC The report predicts a healthy increase in foldable shipments in the coming year with an estimated 48.1 million flip-and-fold devices reaching consumers in 2027. At this point, the CAGR (compound annual growth rate) foldables for 2022 -2027 are expected to outpace traditional smartphones by ten times.

IDC’s new report sees foldables gaining a combined market share of 3.5% by 2027, up from 1.2% for 2022. The foldable market is expected to be worth $42 billion in four years.

Global Foldable Phone Shipments, Market Share and CAGR 2022-2027
Form factor	2022 shipments (millions)	Market share 2022	2027 shipments (millions)	Market share 2027	CAGR 2022-2027
Foldable	14.2	1.2%	48.1	3.5%	27.6%
Smartphone	1,191.6	98.8%	1,322.9	96.5%	2.1%
Total	1,205.8	100%	1,371.0	100%	2.6%
Notes: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding Source: IDC, Global Foldable Smartphone Forecast, 2023-2027, March 2023.

IDC analysts expect foldables to bring in 21.4 million combined shipments in 2023 with lower ASPs (average selling prices), improved durability, and a plethora of new releases from different brands, which enhances their appeal.

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