Recent data from Counterpoint Research (CR) shows a significant growth in the European foldable smartphone market, with shipments increasing by 37% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Despite this growth, foldable devices still make up a small percentage of the overall smartphone market in Europe.
A key finding from the research is the popularity of book-style foldable smartphones, which drove a 60% year-on-year increase in sales in 2024. However, these devices still account for only around 1% of the total smartphone market in Europe.
Samsung's dominance in the foldable market in Europe has declined, with its market share dropping to 50% by the end of 2024. This shift can be attributed to new players like Honor, Google, OnePlus, and Tecno entering the market. Honor, in particular, experienced rapid growth with a 377% increase in market share.
Looking ahead, CR predicts a further increase in foldable smartphone sales in Europe, with the segment expected to capture a larger share of the premium market. New releases from key players like Honor and Google, along with rumors of Apple's entry into the foldable market, are set to drive this growth.
By 2028, CR forecasts that foldable smartphone sales in Europe will exceed almost 4 million units per year, representing a significant milestone for the industry. In the premium segment (devices priced at $800 and above), foldables are projected to account for nearly 10% of sales, with higher penetration in key markets like the UK and Germany.
