Will Foldable Screen Phones Become Mainstream by 2025?

As technology continues to mature, the practicality of foldable phones is expected to increase, making them more appealing to a broader audience. Consumers are looking for devices that not only offer a larger screen experience but also meet their expectations for aesthetic appeal, battery life, and affordability. The prevailing view among potential buyers is that mainstream foldable screens will not be triple-fold designs, but rather simpler, more traditional large foldable designs that can offer a seamless user experience.

One of the critical factors that could sway consumers towards adopting foldable phones is if manufacturers can achieve a level of thinness and battery life comparable to conventional smartphones. Should these criteria be met, it is likely that many would be willing to give foldable phones a try. For some, the appeal of foldable phones is not just about their utility but also about their novelty and visual appeal. The desire for a device that not only functions well but also looks good, with minimal screen creasing and a sleek design, underscores the multifaceted nature of consumer demand in this sector.

However, the future development of the foldable screen phone market still faces numerous challenges, particularly with regards to software adaptation. The lack of enthusiasm from upstream software development standard setters has resulted in a lack of motivation among downstream developers to adapt their applications. If software adaptation continues to lag behind, it is unlikely that foldable screens will become a mainstream phenomenon. The hesitation from major players like Google to initially invest in larger screen technologies has created a ripple effect, impacting the overall ecosystem of app development and adaptation for foldable screens.

The absence of a robust and standardized framework for developing applications that seamlessly integrate with foldable screens hinders the potential of these devices. Without fully optimized software, the unique capabilities of foldable screens—such as enhanced multitasking and larger display areas—cannot be fully utilized, which in turn limits the appeal of these devices to consumers. The challenge of achieving widespread software adaptation poses a significant barrier to the mass adoption of foldable screen phones, highlighting the need for concerted efforts from both hardware manufacturers and software developers to push this technology forward.

In recent years, companies like Huawei have made significant strides in the foldable screen market, with Huawei taking the lead in global sales in the fourth quarter of 2024. Other manufacturers, such as OPPO and vivo, are also actively investing in the development of foldable screen phones, introducing new products and technologies. These efforts may drive the growth of the foldable screen phone market, bringing new opportunities for development. Nevertheless, the market still faces challenges, including high prices and poor user experience, which manufacturers need to address by improving product quality, reducing costs, and enhancing user experience to further develop the market.

Ultimately, the future of the foldable phone market appears bright, particularly if manufacturers can balance innovation with practicality, addressing both the functional and aesthetic needs of consumers. As technology continues to advance and user preferences evolve, the landscape of the foldable phone market is poised to become increasingly dynamic and responsive to consumer demands. With the anticipated technological advancements and competitive dynamics, the foldable screen phone market is expected to offer consumers a wide range of choices with better performance, design, and value, making foldable screen phones a more mainstream option.