Core Insights - The global foldable smartphone market is projected to see a 14% year-on-year increase in shipments by Q3 2025, reaching a historical quarterly high for this category [1] - Samsung leads the market with a 64% share in Q3, experiencing a 32% increase in shipments compared to the previous year [1][3] - Huawei holds the second position with a 15% market share, growing by 10% year-on-year, while Motorola ranks third with a 7% share and a 16% increase [1][3] Market Performance - The foldable smartphone segment now accounts for 2.5% of global smartphone shipments, driven by the popularity of book-style models and the launch of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold7 and Huawei's Mate series [3] - The Galaxy Z Fold7's features, such as a thinner body and improved durability, have significantly enhanced its appeal in the high-end market, contributing to unexpected growth [3] - Motorola's competitive pricing and strong channel partnerships have effectively expanded its user base in the foldable segment [3] Future Projections - Counterpoint Research anticipates a 16% year-on-year growth for the foldable market by the end of 2025, with high-end users increasingly favoring larger screens for productivity [4] - The market is expected to enter a significant expansion phase in 2026, driven by improvements in durability, thinner designs, and enhanced AI-driven software experiences [4] - Apple is expected to enter the foldable market in the second half of 2026, leveraging its large iPhone user base to initiate a new high-end product upgrade cycle [4] Competitive Landscape - The importance of technological innovation is increasing as existing manufacturers accelerate the development of multi-form factor products in anticipation of Apple's entry [5] - Companies are focusing on enhancing their technological leadership and product differentiation strategies, with foldable designs evolving beyond traditional book-style formats [5] - Samsung's upcoming tri-fold device is positioned as a pilot product to validate durability and software optimization before larger-scale commercialization [5]

Core Insights - The global foldable smartphone market is projected to see a 14% year-on-year increase in shipments by Q3 2025, reaching a historical high for the category [1] - Samsung leads the market with a 64% share in Q3, showing a 32% increase compared to the same period last year [1] - Huawei holds the second position with a 15% market share, growing by 10% year-on-year [1] - Motorola ranks third with a 7% share, experiencing a 16% increase [1] - Vivo and Xiaomi follow in fourth and fifth places, with Vivo showing a significant growth of 67%, while Xiaomi's shipments declined by 54% year-on-year [1] Market Trends - Foldable smartphones now account for 2.5% of global smartphone shipments, driven by the popularity of book-style models and the launch of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold7 and Huawei's Mate series [3] - The Galaxy Z series, particularly the Z Fold7, has enhanced its appeal in the high-end market due to its thinner design, lighter weight, and improved durability [3] - Motorola's competitive pricing and strong channel partnerships have effectively expanded its user base in the foldable segment [3] Future Projections - The foldable smartphone market is expected to close 2025 with a stable growth rate of around 16% year-on-year [4] - By 2026, the market is anticipated to enter a significant expansion phase, driven by improvements in durability, thinner designs, and enhanced AI-driven software experiences [4] - Apple is expected to enter the foldable market in the second half of 2026, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape [4][5] Technological Developments - Major smartphone brands are intensifying their focus on technological leadership and product differentiation, with foldable designs evolving beyond traditional book-style formats [5] - Samsung's new triple-foldable model is positioned as a pilot product to validate durability and software optimization before larger-scale commercialization [5] - The entry of Apple into the foldable market is anticipated to bring substantial changes to the competitive dynamics [5]

Core Insights - The global foldable smartphone market is expected to see significant growth, with a projected 14% year-on-year increase in shipments by Q3 2025, reaching a historical quarterly high for this category [1] - The share of foldable smartphones in global smartphone shipments has risen to 2.5%, driven by technological maturity and increased penetration in the high-end market [1] Market Performance - The strong performance in the current quarter is attributed to product iterations from leading manufacturers, particularly Samsung's Galaxy Z7 series, which has improved in weight, thickness, and hinge durability [1] - Huawei's Mate series continues to show stable growth, while Motorola's Razr 60 series has gained market share through differentiated pricing strategies and channel expansion [1] - Other domestic brands have shown varied performance, with vivo's shipments increasing by 67%, while Xiaomi and Honor experienced declines of 54% and 31%, respectively [1] Future Outlook - The industry forecasts a year-on-year growth of approximately 16% in foldable smartphone shipments for the entire year of 2025 [1] - 2026 is anticipated to be a critical year for the foldable market, with expectations that Apple will enter the market with a foldable product, potentially initiating a new high-end replacement cycle due to its large user base [1] Competitive Landscape - Existing manufacturers are accelerating the exploration of multi-folding forms in response to potential competitive changes [2] - Samsung's recent launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold is positioned as a strategic pilot product, aimed at validating the durability and software adaptation of multi-folding architecture before full commercial deployment [2]

Core Viewpoint - Huawei officially launched the new foldable flagship smartphone HUAWEI Mate X7, showcasing significant upgrades in design, performance, reliability, imaging, and AI experience, aiming to reinforce its leadership in the foldable screen market [1][9]. Design - HUAWEI Mate X7 integrates technology with traditional cloud brocade craftsmanship, featuring a back panel made from 1600-year-old cloud brocade techniques, available in two colors: cloud brocade white and cloud brocade blue, along with three leather versions [3]. - The camera module adopts a "time-space gateway" design language, aiming to redefine future aesthetic paradigms [3]. Performance - The overall performance of Mate X7 is improved by 42% compared to its predecessor Mate X6, based on tests conducted in Huawei laboratories [5]. - It includes a 3550m㎡ large VC graphene cross-axis cooling system and a 5600mAh battery, capable of achieving 10 days of battery life in outdoor exploration mode [5]. - The device features 28 distributed antennas with intelligent scheduling technology, enabling 5A-level network speeds [5]. Reliability - The device is equipped with an ultra-reliable foldable Xuanwu architecture, which includes second-generation Xuanwu tempered Kunlun glass for the external screen and a robust hinge design, enhancing durability while maintaining a lightweight profile [7]. AI Experience - The Mate X7 introduces the A2A intelligent agent technology, enhancing capabilities in finance, entertainment, lifestyle, and travel, while supporting mobile office and service functionalities through large screen split collaboration [9]. - Customers purchasing the Mate X7 will receive various service benefits, including one free on-site service within a year and four free screen protectors within two years [9]. Imaging Capability - The device features a flagship-level imaging configuration for a lightweight foldable screen, with the second-generation red maple original color camera improving color reproduction by 43% compared to Mate X6 [9]. - It supports advanced photography features such as "one shot multiple gains," self-portrait capabilities, and high dynamic video capabilities [9].

Core Viewpoint - The foldable smartphone market is experiencing renewed interest, particularly with the upcoming release of the foldable iPhone in 2026, despite the current penetration rate of foldable phones in the smartphone market remaining below 10% [2][20]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The launch of Huawei's Mate X7 is expected to redefine industry standards and set a benchmark for foldable devices [3]. - The evolution of foldable phones is not a straightforward competition with traditional smartphones but rather a diversification of form factors to meet various user needs [22]. - The market for foldable phones is still in its growth phase, with significant potential for innovation and user adoption [23]. Group 2: Product Features and Innovations - The Huawei Mate X7 has reduced its thickness to 9.5mm when folded, making it comparable to traditional smartphones in terms of portability [5]. - The device features an 8-inch inner display with 2K resolution, offering superior display quality compared to most tablets [5]. - Durability improvements include a 20% increase in impact resistance and a 100% increase in bending resistance, addressing common concerns about foldable devices [7]. - The Mate X7's camera system has been upgraded to enhance color accuracy by 43%, making it competitive with flagship smartphones [10]. Group 3: User Experience and Interaction - The transition from traditional smartphones to foldable devices often leaves users uncertain about how to utilize the larger inner screen effectively [14]. - Huawei has integrated AI functionalities to enhance user interaction, allowing for seamless multitasking and improved usability [16][17]. - A significant majority of existing foldable phone users express a willingness to continue using foldable devices, indicating a positive reception of the new interaction paradigms [18]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Huawei holds a 69% market share in the domestic foldable phone market as of the first three quarters of 2025, highlighting its dominance without being perceived as monopolistic [22]. - The success of foldable phones is attributed to technological advancements, ecosystem development, and enhanced user experiences rather than mere competition with traditional devices [22][25]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The foldable smartphone market is expected to continue evolving, with manufacturers focusing on addressing existing shortcomings and fostering innovation to attract traditional smartphone users [23][25]. - The Huawei Mate X7 is positioned as a milestone product, showcasing the potential of foldable devices in terms of design, durability, and interactive capabilities [25][26].

Core Viewpoint - The foldable smartphone market is transitioning from a growth phase to a mainstream adoption phase, with Huawei leading the industry with a significant market share and innovative product offerings [2][4][10]. Market Position and Share - Huawei holds nearly 70% of the foldable smartphone market share in China as of the first three quarters of 2025, solidifying its position as the industry leader [4][16]. - In the high-end market segment (priced above $600), Huawei captures approximately one-third of the market share, showcasing its dominance in premium offerings [4][10]. - The competitive landscape shows Huawei far ahead, with its closest competitor, Honor, holding only 11.2% market share, while Vivo has 5% [9][10]. Product Innovation and Development - Huawei has introduced a diverse range of foldable smartphones, including large foldable, small foldable, tri-fold, and wide-fold models, making it the most innovative player in the market [21][30]. - The Mate X series, starting with the original Mate X, has set industry standards with its unique hinge design and continuous technological advancements, culminating in the Mate X6 and the groundbreaking Mate XT [22][27]. - The recent launch of the Mate XTs further emphasizes Huawei's commitment to innovation, featuring the world's thinnest tri-fold design and advanced user experience capabilities [24][26]. Ecosystem and User Experience - Huawei's HarmonyOS ecosystem plays a crucial role in enhancing the user experience of foldable smartphones, providing seamless integration across devices and applications [43][44]. - The company has focused on addressing user needs by offering products that combine portability with functionality, appealing to both business professionals and younger consumers [32][41]. Market Trends and Future Outlook - Despite a recent slowdown in overall market growth, Huawei's strategic focus on foldable smartphones has allowed it to maintain a strong position and set industry trends [14][46]. - The increasing acceptance of foldable smartphones among consumers, with 70.1% expressing interest in purchasing one, indicates a robust potential market [32]. - As the foldable smartphone market matures, Huawei is expected to continue leading through technological innovation and ecosystem development, driving further growth in the industry [46].

Market Overview - The Chinese foldable smartphone market showed a significant recovery in Q3 2025, with shipments reaching 2.63 million units, a year-on-year increase of 17.8% [1] - Cumulative shipments for the first three quarters of 2025 reached 7.62 million units, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 14.3%, with Huawei holding nearly 70% market share [1] - The market had previously experienced a decline in growth rates starting from Q3 2024, but rebounded in Q1 2025 with a 49.3% year-on-year increase [1] Industry Trends - The foldable smartphone market is expected to approach 10 million units in shipments by 2025, driven by technological advancements that have resolved previous limitations such as weight and structural reliability [2] - The differentiation of foldable smartphones through innovative designs and customized display ratios is helping to overcome market homogenization, creating a dual-driven model of "technology iteration + form innovation" [2] - The industry is transitioning from stock competition to innovation-driven growth, with foldable smartphones becoming a key segment in the high-end smartphone market [2] Product Development Focus - Future competition will focus on enhancing overall product experience, including achieving a lightweight design while improving reliability and functionality [3] - The importance of software and hardware collaboration, as well as ecosystem development, is increasing, with a focus on AI capabilities to enhance user interaction and practical value [3] Company Activities - Companies like LianDe Equipment are actively investing in the foldable screen sector, collaborating with Huawei on screen manufacturing and assembly equipment [4] - Changxin Technology is leveraging its strong technology reserves in the UTG field to provide products to major clients like Honor and OPPO, focusing on joint R&D in cutting-edge technology [4] - BOE Technology has been promoting its flexible AMOLED solutions for three-fold products for several years, continuing to push new technologies into product applications [5]

Core Viewpoint - The company is closely monitoring the development of new technologies and applications in the industry, particularly in the area of new form factor screens [1] Group 1 - The company has multiple technical solutions reserved for new form factor screens [1] - The company has successfully developed various folding technologies through its self-built all-scenario platform [1] - The company is capable of rapidly mass-producing left-right and up-down folding products [1] Group 2 - The company supports customers in showcasing their three-fold mobile phone products [1] - The company is simultaneously developing other folding forms such as pull-out and rollable designs [1] - The company is continuously upgrading the flexibility and durability of its products [1]

Core Insights - The competition in the foldable smartphone market is intensifying, with Apple's anticipated entry in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 series, aiming to redefine market dynamics through differentiated technology [1][5] - Despite potential production challenges that could delay the launch to 2027, major institutions like UBS predict a 2026 release, with a target price around $2000, leveraging Apple's robust supply chain management [1][3] - Apple plans to implement a dual-launch strategy starting in 2026, introducing foldable models alongside Pro and Air versions to cover various market segments [1] Technology Path - Apple is adopting a cautious yet innovative approach, with multiple patents indicating diverse folding mechanisms, including a "Z" shape and a horizontal "book-style" fold, likely opting for the latter for its first foldable device [2] - The expected screen size for the foldable iPhone is between 7.8 to 8 inches, with future iterations planned for more advanced folding technologies [2] Supply Chain Readiness - Production preparations are underway, with Foxconn expected to start manufacturing foldable iPhones by late Q3 to early Q4 of 2025, while key components like screens are already being sourced [3] - Samsung Display plans to produce 7 to 8 million foldable panels in 2026 to meet Apple's demand for 15 to 20 million units, although initial shipments may only reach 5 to 7 million due to high pricing [3] Market Dynamics - Existing players like Yian Technology have established mature supply chains, providing critical components for competitors like Huawei, which could serve as a benchmark for Apple's market entry [4] - The global foldable smartphone market is projected to grow significantly, with a 30.8% increase in China expected in 2024, indicating a competitive landscape for Apple as it enters the market [4] - Apple's pricing strategy around $2000 may limit initial market penetration, but as production scales and technology evolves, the foldable iPhone could become a new growth driver post-2027 [4][5]

Core Insights - Apple is facing significant engineering challenges with its planned 18-inch foldable iPad, potentially delaying its release from 2028 to 2029 or later [1][3] - The estimated price of the foldable iPad is around $3000, which is three times the price of the current 13-inch iPad Pro, likely limiting market acceptance [1] - The prototype weighs approximately 3.5 pounds (about 1.59 kg), comparable to a MacBook Pro, which contradicts the iPad's portability concept [2] - Apple is collaborating with Samsung Display to develop a seamless 18-inch OLED panel, aiming to minimize screen creases, a challenge that is complex and costly [3] - The new tablet prototype, codenamed J312, does not feature an external display and resembles a Mac laptop when closed, with a size similar to a 13-inch notebook when opened [3] - Despite the setbacks, the foldable iPad project remains a crucial part of Apple's broader innovation strategy, which includes developing cutting-edge products like smart glasses and desktop robotic devices [3]