2025 marks a breakthrough for foldable smartphones and tri-fold devices. From Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 to Huawei’s Mate XT, AI-powered screens are reshaping mobile tech. Here’s what you need to know.
As foldable smartphones surge, 2025 is shaping up as a turning point for transformative screens. From Samsung’s lighter Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Huawei’s first tri-fold Mate XT to Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold, these devices promise slimmer designs, AI integration, and mainstream adoption. With Apple rumored to join the race, foldables may finally leap from niche innovation to mass-market reality.
Table of Contents
- Why Is 2025 Critical for Foldables?
- Real-World Devices Defining the Foldable Market in 2025
- The Role of AI: When Screens Get Smarter
- Apple’s Rumored Entry: The Mainstream Moment?
- Pain Points & Practical Solutions for Buyers
- Market Outlook: Where Foldables Go Beyond 2025
- Top FAQs Americans Are Asking About Foldables
- Blogging This Topic with WordPress + Rank Math SEO
- Takeaways and Future Insights
1. Why Is 2025 Critical for Foldables?
2025 isn’t just another year in smartphone evolution—it’s the year foldables might shift from luxury gadgets into everyday devices.
- Market Momentum: The foldable smartphone market is projected to grow from $25.1 billion in 2024 to nearly $30.55 billion in 2025, with a CAGR above 20% through 2029 (The Business Research Company).
- Unit Shipments Rising: Analysts expect around 19.8 million units shipped in 2025, maintaining a 1.6% penetration of the global smartphone market (TrendForce).
- Samsung’s Lead Tested: Samsung still dominates with ~35% global share, but Huawei, Honor, and even Google are quickly narrowing the gap (TelecomLead).
The narrative is clear: foldables aren’t just experiments anymore—they’re carving real space in the market.
2. Real-World Devices Defining the Foldable Market in 2025
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Flip 7
- Slimmer & lighter: The Fold 7 is 10% lighter and 26% thinner than its predecessor.
- AI integration: Galaxy AI powers advanced photo editing, document summarization, and multitasking.
- Durability: Seven years of software support and Gorilla Glass protection add peace of mind.
- Price: $1,999 for Fold 7; $899 for Flip 7.
Huawei Mate XT (World’s First Tri-Fold)
- Released globally in early 2025.
- A 10.2-inch display achieved by folding a single screen three times.
- Represents the first commercial tri-fold device .
Huawei Pura X
- Sleek vertical fold with IPX8 water resistance.
- AI eye-tracking lets users scroll or turn pages without touching the screen.
- Launched March 2025.
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
- Introduced August 2025.
- Runs on Tensor G5 chip with Gemini AI deeply integrated.
- Material You UI adjusts dynamically across folded/unfolded modes.
Samsung Tri-Fold Concepts
- Flex S: Combines inward and outward folds.
- Flex G: A book-style tri-fold design.
- Shown at CES/MWC 2025—likely commercial in 2026.
These devices illustrate how foldables are diversifying: no longer just one format, but multiple form factors that target both productivity (Fold 7), entertainment (Pura X), and future-proof enthusiasts (Mate XT).
3. The Role of AI: When Screens Get Smarter
Foldables aren’t just about bending glass—they’re about fusing flexible hardware with adaptive intelligence.
- Samsung Galaxy AI: In Fold 7, AI refines multitasking—auto-resizing windows, translating live video calls, and enhancing note-taking across unfolded layouts.
- Huawei Pura X: Eye-tracking AI makes scrolling feel futuristic.
- Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Gemini AI integrates across Gmail, Docs, and Search—making multitasking seamless on larger unfolded screens.
AI is the “hidden hinge” of the foldable revolution—making these devices not just flexible physically but also adaptable digitally.
4. Apple’s Rumored Entry: The Mainstream Moment?
Apple’s absence in the foldable market has been conspicuous—but 2025 may be the year hints turn into reality.
- Foldable iPhone Rumors: Reports suggest a flip-style foldable iPhone, likely late 2025 or 2026, priced around $1,800–$2,000 (Tom’s Guide).
- Why It Matters: Apple’s entry historically legitimizes categories (e.g., smartwatches, tablets). Expect a mainstream tipping point once Apple folds in.
- Samsung’s Dual Win: As Apple’s OLED supplier, Samsung may benefit both as a competitor and as a supply-chain winner (Times of India).
5. Pain Points & Practical Solutions for Buyers
Even in 2025, foldables aren’t perfect. Here’s what consumers face—and how brands are addressing it.
- High Prices: Still $900–$2,000.
- Solution: Wait for Apple’s entry to drive competitive pricing.
- Durability Concerns: Creases, hinge wear, dust vulnerability.
- Solution: Devices like Pura X offer IPX8 water resistance; Fold 7 touts Gorilla Glass Victus and crease-free design.
- Use-Case Limitations: Beyond multitasking, many don’t see foldables as laptop replacements.
- Solution: Emphasize niche productivity (designers, students, content creators).
Key Advice: If you’re curious, 2025 models are strong enough to buy now. If you’re cautious, wait for 2026 when Apple’s entry may lower costs and broaden app support.
6. Market Outlook: Where Foldables Go Beyond 2025
- 2026–2027: Apple entry → mainstream validation.
- 2028–2029: Foldables grow to 10–12% of smartphone market, with ~$66B value (Coherent Market Insights).
- Beyond phones: Rollable tablets, foldable laptops, and even wearable foldables on the horizon.
The next phase? Screens that not only fold but wrap, roll, and stretch into wearable forms.
7. Top 10 FAQs Americans Are Asking About Foldables (2025)
1. Are foldables finally worth buying in 2025?
Yes—for productivity lovers, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 delivers desktop-like multitasking. But casual users may prefer the cheaper Flip 7 or wait for Apple’s foldable iPhone.
2. How durable are foldable screens today?
Much improved. Huawei’s Pura X has water resistance, Samsung’s hinge durability exceeds 200,000 folds, and Gorilla Glass makes outer shells tougher.
3. Will foldable phones replace laptops?
Not yet. They enhance portability and multitasking but aren’t full PC replacements. Best for secondary productivity devices.
4. What’s the cheapest foldable in 2025?
Models like Samsung Flip 7 ($899) and Honor Magic V3 (~$1,100 in China) are entry points.
5. Which foldable is best for creators?
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 with S-Pen support and multitasking features is ideal for designers, editors, and students.
6. How big will the foldable market get?
From ~$30B in 2025 to ~$100B+ by 2032—a five-fold growth trajectory.
7. Do foldables support AI features?
Yes. Fold 7, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Huawei Pura X integrate AI for multitasking, productivity, and camera editing.
8. Is Apple releasing a foldable iPhone?
Most analysts expect 2026. Pricing could undercut Samsung, around $1,800–$2,000.
9. Should I buy now or wait?
If you’re tech-hungry, 2025 devices are robust enough. If cost-sensitive, wait until Apple’s release and subsequent price drops.
10. How do I blog about foldables for SEO in 2025?
Use question-based headings, include FAQ schema, optimize images with alt-text, and link to authoritative sources (see section below).
9. Takeaways and Future Insights
2025 is not just an incremental year—it’s the inflection point for foldables.
- Real devices like Huawei Mate XT and Galaxy Z Fold 7 prove foldables are viable.
- AI turns foldables into productivity powerhouses.
- Apple’s looming entry could validate and expand the market.
- Prices are high today, but wider competition will bring them down.
The foldable journey has shifted from “Can it work?” to “How will it fit into my lifestyle?”