India’s Foldable Smartphone Market to Cross 3 Million Units in 2026

India’s foldable smartphone market is expected to cross 3 million units in cumulative shipments by the end of 2026, according to Counterpoint Research’s Monthly India Smartphone Tracker, marking a nearly 80% CAGR between 2019 and 2026. Despite rising device prices and weakness in the broader smartphone market, foldable smartphone shipments are projected to grow around 8% YoY in 2026 and outperform the broader smartphone market.

Rising prices of DRAM, NAND and other key components continue to push smartphone prices upward. However, demand for foldables is expected to remain resilient. Consumers in this segment continue to prioritize innovative form factors, productivity and premium user experiences over upfront pricing. As financing options expand and EMI schemes become more attractive, foldables are becoming increasingly accessible, supporting steady adoption even in a challenging pricing environment.

Commenting on the brand dynamics, Senior Research Analyst Prachir Singh said, “Samsung has long been the benchmark in India’s foldable smartphone market, capitalizing on its first-mover advantage through continuous innovation and strong consumer trust. The brand is expected to account for nearly 89% of foldable smartphone shipments in the country in 2026, supported by its eighth-generation Galaxy Z series. Samsung has also built a loyal user base around the foldable form factor, while its expected expansion into the wider foldable segment could further broaden the category and attract new consumers.

As the market matures, competition is set to intensify, with Motorola expanding its foldable portfolio through the recently launched Razr Fold and the upcoming next-generation Razr Flip, broadening consumer choice within the category. Apple’s likely entry this year is expected to further elevate consumer awareness and accelerate the category's long-term growth.”

Commenting on the outlook for foldables, Research Director Tarun Pathak said, “Looking ahead, foldables are expected to play a bigger role in India’s premium smartphone market. However, the category may remain niche over the next few years, as foldable smartphone retail ASPs (average selling prices) are projected to remain high at around $1,800, nearly 5x the overall India smartphone ASP in 2026. Despite this, ongoing improvements in durability, thinner and lighter designs, longer battery life, and the overall user experience will continue to make foldables more practical for everyday use.

At the same time, more OEMs are entering the category with a wider range of devices, expanding consumer choice across different price points and form factors. Book-type foldables are projected to account for nearly two-thirds of foldable smartphone shipments in 2026, supported by their larger displays, broader use cases and superior productivity-focused user experience. Meanwhile, better financing options are making foldables more accessible to premium smartphone buyers. Apple's expected entry into the category is also likely to increase consumer awareness, accelerate innovation and intensify competition across the industry. Although foldables will continue to account for a relatively small share of the overall smartphone market, they are well positioned to emerge as one of the key long-term growth engines of India's premium smartphone segment.”