Global shipments of foldable smartphone displays are forecast to increase by 44% in 2026, reaching approximately 29 million units as manufacturers embrace wider-screen designs. According to market research firm Omdia, growing interest in wider foldable devices is helping revive demand for flexible AMOLED panels and reshape competition across the smartphone industry.

The anticipated growth highlights a shift in foldable smartphone design, with manufacturers focusing on screen proportions, multitasking capabilities and everyday usability. Samsung Display is expected to benefit from this trend, while Apple and other smartphone brands could contribute to expanding the market.

As the industry evolves, wider foldable displays could become an increasingly important feature for manufacturers seeking to differentiate premium smartphones from conventional devices.

Foldable AMOLED Display Shipments Expected to Reach 29 Million Units

Omdia’s forecast projects that global foldable AMOLED display shipments will reach 29 million units in 2026, representing a 44% year-over-year increase. The expected recovery follows a reported decline in shipments during 2025 and signals renewed interest in flexible display technology.

Foldable smartphones have traditionally attracted consumers looking for larger screens in portable designs. However, high prices, durability concerns and differences in usability have limited their appeal among mainstream smartphone buyers.

Manufacturers are now attempting to address these challenges through improved screen proportions and more practical device designs. Wider displays could make foldable smartphones more comfortable to use for reading, browsing, entertainment and productivity.

The forecast concerns display panel shipments rather than completed smartphone sales. Panel shipments occur during the manufacturing process, meaning they do not necessarily correspond directly to the number of devices purchased by consumers.

Nevertheless, the projected increase suggests that display manufacturers could experience stronger demand as smartphone brands prepare new foldable products.

Wider Aspect Ratios Are Changing Foldable Smartphone Design

One of the main factors behind the anticipated growth is the increasing interest in wider foldable screens. Earlier book-style foldable smartphones often featured tall external displays and relatively square internal screens. Newer designs are moving toward proportions intended to provide a more familiar smartphone experience when folded and a more practical workspace when opened.

According to Omdia, wider aspect ratios, including 4:3 and 14:10, are gaining attention because they can improve the usability of foldable devices.

These proportions provide additional horizontal space for applications, documents, websites and multimedia content. They can also make split-screen multitasking more practical by allowing users to work with multiple applications simultaneously.

How Wider Foldable Displays Improve the User Experience

Wider cover displays can make foldable smartphones easier to use without opening them for every task. Users can respond to messages, browse websites and access applications through a screen that more closely resembles a conventional smartphone display.

When unfolded, the larger internal screen can provide a tablet-like experience for productivity and entertainment.

Potential benefits include improved multitasking, more comfortable document viewing, better use of productivity applications and additional space for compatible games and multimedia services.

These advantages could help manufacturers present foldable smartphones as practical everyday devices rather than products designed primarily for technology enthusiasts.

However, the success of wider displays will depend on more than screen dimensions. Software optimization, battery efficiency, device weight and durability will remain important factors influencing consumer satisfaction.

Samsung Display Could Capture 66% of the Foldable Panel Market

Samsung Display is expected to strengthen its position in the foldable display industry as demand for wider AMOLED panels increases. Omdia projects that the company could account for approximately 66% of global foldable smartphone display shipments in 2026.

The forecast reflects Samsung Display’s position as a major supplier of flexible display technology, including panels intended for devices from multiple smartphone manufacturers.

The company’s potential advantage is particularly significant as established brands prepare to compete in the wider-foldable category. Greater demand from major manufacturers could help Samsung Display increase its share of the market and reinforce its position in the advanced display supply chain.

Why Samsung’s Display Business Matters

Samsung Display and Samsung Electronics operate different businesses. Samsung Display manufactures panels, while Samsung Electronics develops and sells consumer devices, including Galaxy smartphones.

This distinction matters because display suppliers can benefit from demand across different smartphone brands. A manufacturer supplying panels to multiple companies may gain business even when those companies compete directly in the consumer market.

If Omdia’s projection proves accurate, Samsung Display’s estimated 66% share would demonstrate the importance of its technology and manufacturing capabilities in the foldable segment.

However, the figure remains a forecast rather than a confirmed final market result. Actual shipments will depend on production volumes, customer orders and market conditions throughout the year.

Chinese Display Manufacturers Face Growing Competition

The shift toward wider foldable smartphones could also influence competition among display panel suppliers. Omdia expects Chinese manufacturers to face pressure on their market shares as demand changes across the foldable display market.

Companies such as BOE, China Star, Tianma and Visionox participate in the broader display manufacturing industry. Their performance in the foldable segment will depend on their ability to produce competitive flexible AMOLED panels and secure supply agreements with smartphone manufacturers.

A reduction in market share would not necessarily mean these companies are losing their long-term competitive position. The overall foldable market could continue expanding, creating opportunities for multiple suppliers.

Chinese smartphone manufacturers could also introduce additional wider-format foldable devices in the coming years. If that happens, display suppliers with the necessary manufacturing capacity and technology could compete for new contracts.

Competition among suppliers may encourage improvements in panel quality, manufacturing efficiency, energy consumption and display durability.

Motorola and Other Smartphone Brands Could Expand the Market

Samsung and Apple are attracting considerable attention in the wider-foldable category, but other smartphone manufacturers could also introduce competing designs.

Motorola is among the brands associated with potential wider-format foldable development. However, product specifications, launch schedules and commercial availability should be confirmed through official announcements before being treated as established facts.

Broader competition could give consumers more options across different designs, software experiences and price points. Manufacturers may also face greater pressure to improve hinge mechanisms, reduce device thickness and address concerns about screen longevity.

Pricing will remain a major consideration. Foldable smartphones generally occupy the premium segment, and consumers must decide whether the additional screen space and flexibility justify the higher purchase price.

If wider designs provide meaningful benefits for everyday use, manufacturers could find it easier to attract consumers who have previously preferred conventional smartphones.

What the 2026 Forecast Means for the Foldable Smartphone Market

Omdia’s projected 44% increase in foldable display shipments suggests renewed momentum for flexible AMOLED technology. Wider screen proportions could help manufacturers improve usability while creating new opportunities for display suppliers.

For consumers, future foldable smartphones may offer more practical experiences for productivity, entertainment and communication. For manufacturers, the challenge will be to combine these benefits with competitive pricing, reliable hardware and software that adapts smoothly to different screen configurations.

The market’s longer-term growth will depend on whether these improvements translate into sustained consumer demand. Manufacturing capacity, product availability and competition from other display suppliers will also influence how the industry develops.

Although the forecast points toward a stronger 2026, shipments alone cannot establish whether foldable smartphones are becoming mainstream. Retail sales, customer adoption and profitability will remain important indicators of the category’s overall performance.

Conclusion

Foldable AMOLED display shipments are forecast to rise 44% in 2026, reaching approximately 29 million units as wider-screen smartphone designs gain momentum. Omdia’s projections highlight the growing importance of display proportions and usability in the evolution of foldable devices.

Samsung Display could capture around 66% of global foldable display shipments, while Chinese suppliers may face increased competition as manufacturers adjust their product strategies. Motorola and other smartphone brands could also contribute to the next phase of market development.

Ultimately, the future of foldable smartphones will depend on whether wider displays deliver practical advantages that justify their premium prices. If manufacturers can improve usability, durability and affordability, foldable devices could become a more significant part of the global smartphone market.