India foldable smartphone shipments to cross 3 million units by 2026
Synopsis
India's foldable smartphone market is set to cross 3 million cumulative units by end-2026, growing at an 80% CAGR since 2019 — yet Samsung alone commands nearly 89% of that market. With average prices hovering at $1,800 (five times the national smartphone average), the segment's resilience despite a broader demand slowdown is the story mainstream coverage is underplaying.
Key Takeaways
India's foldable smartphone market is projected to cross 3 million cumulative shipments by end of 2026 .
The segment has grown at a CAGR of nearly 80 per cent between 2019 and 2026 , per Counterpoint Research .
Samsung is expected to hold nearly 89 per cent of India's foldable shipments in 2026, led by its Galaxy Z series .
The average selling price of foldables is projected at around $1,800 in 2026 — nearly five times India's overall smartphone ASP.
Book-type foldables are forecast to account for nearly two-thirds of foldable shipments in 2026.
Wider EMI options and new OEM entrants are expected to gradually broaden the category's reach beyond the ultra-premium tier.
India's foldable smartphone market is on track to surpass 3 million cumulative shipments by the end of 2026, clocking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 80 per cent between 2019 and 2026, according to a Counterpoint Research report released on Tuesday, 21 July. The segment is projected to grow around 8 per cent year-on-year in 2026, outpacing the broader smartphone market even as device prices climb.
Key Developments
Rising costs of critical components — including DRAM and NAND flash memory — are pushing smartphone prices higher across the board. Yet demand in the foldable segment is expected to hold firm, as premium consumers continue to favour innovative form factors, enhanced productivity, and superior user experience over upfront cost concerns.
Easier financing options and more competitive equated monthly instalment (EMI) schemes are also broadening the addressable market, supporting steady adoption despite a challenging pricing environment, the report noted.
Samsung's Dominant Position
Counterpoint Research Senior Research Analyst Prachir Singh said Samsung has maintained its leadership in India's foldable market by leveraging its first-mover advantage, continuous product innovation, and strong consumer trust built over several years. Samsung is expected to account for nearly 89 per cent of foldable smartphone shipments in India in 2026, driven by its eighth-generation Galaxy Z series and a loyal customer base.
Pricing and Form Factor Trends
The average selling price (ASP) of foldable smartphones is projected to remain around $1,800 in 2026 — nearly five times the overall average selling price of smartphones in India. Research Director Tarun Pathak noted that improvements in durability, thinner and lighter designs, longer battery life, and a refined user experience will make foldables more practical for everyday use.
More original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are entering the segment with a wider range of devices across different price points and form factors, potentially intensifying competition. Book-type foldables are projected to account for nearly two-thirds of all foldable shipments in 2026, supported by their larger displays, broader use cases, and productivity-focused features.
Long-Term Outlook
Pathak said foldable smartphones are expected to play a larger role in India's premium segment, though the category is likely to remain niche over the next few years given high price points. The report positions foldables as one of the key long-term growth drivers of India's premium smartphone market, even as they represent a relatively small share of total shipments for now.
Point of View
But the absolute numbers tell a more grounded story — 3 million cumulative units over seven years in a market that ships over 150 million smartphones annually. Samsung's near-monopoly at 89% share is less a sign of a competitive foldable ecosystem and more a reflection of how few players have seriously committed to the form factor in India. The $1,800 ASP — five times the market average — means this category's growth narrative is almost entirely decoupled from mass-market India. The real inflection point will come when a credible second player forces Samsung to compete on price; until then, foldables remain a premium footnote, not a structural shift.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is India's foldable smartphone market expected to be by 2026?
India's foldable smartphone market is projected to cross 3 million cumulative shipments by the end of 2026, growing at a CAGR of nearly 80 per cent between 2019 and 2026, according to Counterpoint Research. Shipments are expected to grow around 8 per cent year-on-year in 2026 alone.
Which brand dominates India's foldable smartphone market?
Samsung dominates India's foldable smartphone market and is expected to account for nearly 89 per cent of shipments in 2026. Its lead is attributed to first-mover advantage, the eighth-generation Galaxy Z series, and a strong base of loyal foldable users.
Why are foldable smartphones so expensive in India?
The average selling price of foldable smartphones is projected to remain around $1,800 in 2026, nearly five times India's overall smartphone average. Rising costs of components such as DRAM and NAND flash memory are key drivers, though EMI schemes are helping make devices more accessible.
What type of foldable design is most popular in India?
Book-type foldables are projected to account for nearly two-thirds of foldable shipments in India in 2026. Their larger displays, broader use cases, and productivity features make them the preferred form factor among buyers in the segment.
Will foldable smartphones become mainstream in India?
Counterpoint Research analysts say foldables are likely to remain a niche category over the next few years due to high prices, even as they grow within the premium segment. Improvements in durability, battery life, and design, along with more OEM entrants, are expected to gradually widen adoption.
