I remember as if it was yesterday (2019) when Samsung launched their first foldable smartphone.
I remember it so well because it gave me a reason to outline an innovation in the smartphone market that was in a slump. What was even more exciting is the fact that I sensed that the introduction of foldables would introduce a new smartphone segment.
The foldable smartphone landscape has rapidly evolved from an experimental category into a fierce theater of competition for global market share. What began as a nascent segment, comprising roughly 2% of global smartphone sales, is now seeing an influx of advanced engineering and strategic hardware integration as major manufacturers race to define the next generation of premium devices.
We are now witnessing a critical turning point, with major Chinese manufacturers launching highend flagships just days before Apple’s anticipated entry into the space.
Huawei Mate XT 2: Continuing its push for technical innovation, Huawei has introduced the second-generation Mate XT 2, an ultra-premium tri-fold device featuring two distinct folding mechanisms.
The device is powered by the new Kirin 9050 Pro chipset, which utilises a proprietary "LogicFolding" architecture.
This chip design, central to Huawei's "Tau Scaling Law" strategy, reportedly delivers a 42% overall performance improvement over its predecessor.
The Mate XT 2 also features an inward-folding mechanism, improved water resistance, and a specialised screen feature designed to enhance privacy. Xiaomi 18 Fold: Xiaomi launched the 18 Fold at IFA 2026.
The device adopts a "passport-style" wide aspect ratio, aligning with emerging industry form factors.
It debuts Xiaomi’s in-house 3nm Xring O3 processor, paired with next-generation LPDDR6 RAM supplied by ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT).
This configuration is designed to handle intensive on-device AI workloads and improved multitasking.
Apple’s expected entry
The impending arrival of Apple’s first foldable, widely expected to be named the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold, has catalysed the industry, with analysts noting that Apple’s entry is likely to significantly broaden consumer adoption.
- Design philosophy: Mirroring the move toward "passport-style" foldables, leaks suggest Apple is opting for a design that is shorter and wider than traditional book-style foldables. The device is expected to feature a ~7.8-inch internal display and a ~5.5-inch cover screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio when closed, providing a tablet-like canvas for productivity.
- Hardware and innovation: Reports indicate the foldable will be remarkably thin—possibly as thin as 4.5mm when open—utilising a titanium and aluminum frame to maintain durability while minimising weight. To accommodate this thin profile, Apple is expected to replace Face ID with a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button. Under the hood, it is rumoured to run on the 2nm A20 chip, which aims to provide significant gains in efficiency and power.
- Market impact: Despite significant buzz, analysts warn that supply may be limited at launch, and price points are expected to start at $2,000 or higher. The device is anticipated to serve as a catalyst, potentially securing Apple a substantial share of the global foldable market by 2027.
The industry is experiencing a consensus on form factor, with Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Apple all seemingly converging on the passport-style design.
This "wide foldable" approach prioritises a squat, broader footprint that is more practical for everyday pocket carry than the taller, narrower profiles of earlier models.
As the segment matures, the focus has shifted from merely achieving a foldable hinge to refining durability, minimising the screen crease, and optimising software for internal displays.
With manufacturers like Xiaomi and Huawei leveraging in-house silicon and local memory components to combat supply chain restrictions, the foldable market has become a pivotal battleground for technological sovereignty (in China) and premium device leadership.
When John Ternus enters the stage on Wednsday for the first time as the Apple CEO he may unleash a product that will change foldables market
Wesley Diphoko is a Technology Analyst and the Editor-In-Chief of FastCompany (SA).
**The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Media Group.