Foldable Display Shipments Could Jump 44% in 2026 as Wide Foldable Phones Gain Popularity

The foldable smartphone market could experience a strong rebound in 2026, as wider-screen designs attract consumer interest and smartphone manufacturers expand their foldable device portfolios. According to market research firm Omdia, global shipments of foldable smartphone displays are forecast to reach approximately 29 million units in 2026, representing a 44% increase compared with the previous year.

The forecast follows a 12% decline in foldable display shipments in 2025. Wider foldable designs are emerging as an important growth driver, offering users a more practical screen layout for multitasking, entertainment, web browsing and productivity.

However, the forecast specifically measures display panels shipped for foldable smartphones. It should not be interpreted as a prediction that finished foldable phone sales will increase by exactly the same percentage.

Foldable Display Shipments Expected to Reach 29 Million Units

Omdia expects manufacturers to ship around 29 million foldable smartphone displays during 2026. The anticipated recovery suggests that the foldable category may be entering another growth phase after its decline in 2025.

A major factor behind this outlook is the introduction of wider book-style foldable smartphones. These devices aim to provide a more useful inner screen when unfolded, making them suitable for activities that benefit from additional horizontal space.

Wider screens can improve the experience of viewing websites, reading documents, using multiple applications and watching videos. They can also make foldable phones more appealing to people who want some of the functionality of a tablet without carrying a separate device.

The growth forecast reflects demand for display components, rather than a direct count of smartphones sold to customers. Display panels are often shipped before phone assembly is completed, so component shipments and final device sales may not match during the same period.

Why Wide Foldable Phones Are Becoming More Popular

Traditional foldable smartphones generally fall into two main categories: book-style devices that open into a larger screen and compact flip phones that fold in half for easier portability.

Wide-screen foldables are adding another dimension to the market. Their broader inner displays are designed to deliver a more tablet-like experience while keeping the device compact enough to carry when folded.

According to Omdia, wide-screen foldable displays are expected to account for 44% of total foldable display shipments in 2026. The research firm expects their share to exceed 60% in 2027 as additional manufacturers introduce devices with wider screen proportions.

This shift could influence how smartphone makers design future foldable devices. Rather than focusing only on the ability to fold a screen, companies may increasingly compete on screen shape, usability, multitasking features and the overall experience of switching between folded and unfolded modes.

If wider designs continue to gain traction, they could become a more important part of the premium smartphone market over the next few years.

Samsung Display Expected to Strengthen Its Market Position

Samsung Display is forecast to remain a major supplier in the foldable smartphone display industry. Omdia projects that the company could capture 66% of the global foldable display market in 2026.

The company is expected to benefit from supplying AMOLED panels for Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 and Apple's reported iPhone Duo. These devices are associated with the wider foldable form factor, helping increase attention on the category.

Samsung Display's projected market share would put it in a strong position as manufacturers compete to supply advanced screens for premium smartphones.

Other display suppliers, including BOE, China Star, Tianma and Visionox, could face greater pressure as market demand and purchasing decisions shift. Omdia expects Chinese display manufacturers to lose market share in 2026, although the longer-term competitive landscape could change as more brands introduce new foldable models.

It is important to distinguish Samsung Display, which manufactures display panels, from Samsung Electronics, which sells Galaxy smartphones. Their businesses are connected through the supply chain but are not the same company operation.

Chinese Smartphone Brands Could Expand Wide Foldable Options

Competition in the foldable smartphone market is also likely to evolve as more Chinese manufacturers consider wider-screen designs.

Huawei was among the early companies to explore this form factor. Omdia expects additional Chinese smartphone makers to adopt wider foldable designs in 2027, potentially expanding the range of devices available to consumers.

More manufacturers entering the category could lead to greater competition in screen design, hardware features and pricing. It could also give customers more choices beyond the established foldable smartphone brands.

Nevertheless, future growth will depend on several factors, including consumer demand, production costs, device availability and whether manufacturers can make foldable phones more practical for everyday use.

LTPO Technology Could Become the Standard for Foldable Displays

Another important trend is the expected wider use of LTPO technology in foldable smartphone displays.

LTPO, short for low-temperature polycrystalline oxide, enables displays to adjust their refresh rates more flexibly depending on what is happening on the screen. For example, a display may use a lower refresh rate when showing relatively static content and increase it when smoother motion is needed.

This flexibility can help reduce power consumption while maintaining a responsive viewing experience. It is particularly useful in premium smartphones, where manufacturers must balance display quality, smooth performance and battery life.

LTPO panels can be more expensive than LTPS alternatives, but foldable smartphones generally occupy the premium segment, where advanced display features are an important selling point.

As foldable devices become more sophisticated, manufacturers may continue to prioritize technologies that improve screen efficiency and user experience.

What the Forecast Means for the Foldable Phone Market

Omdia's forecast points to a potentially significant year for foldable display technology. A projected 44% increase in shipments, combined with the growing share of wide-screen designs, suggests that manufacturers are exploring new ways to make foldable phones more useful.

Samsung Display is expected to benefit from its position in the supply chain, while new designs could encourage further competition among smartphone brands.

Still, the forecast does not guarantee that every manufacturer will experience higher sales. The actual performance of foldable smartphones will depend on consumer interest, product prices, availability and the advantages these devices offer over conventional phones.

For consumers, the most important development may be the move toward wider inner screens designed for everyday tasks. If manufacturers can combine practical screen proportions with durable hardware, efficient displays and competitive pricing, foldable smartphones could appeal to a broader audience.

Conclusion: Foldable display shipments are forecast to reach around 29 million units in 2026, up 44% year over year, according to Omdia. Wider foldable designs and advanced LTPO display technology are expected to shape the market, while Samsung Display is projected to strengthen its position as a leading supplier. The coming years will show whether these design changes can turn renewed interest in foldables into sustained growth in consumer sales.