China’s Foldable Smartphone Growth Slows Despite International Dominance


China’s Foldable Smartphone Market Slows Amid Global Dip

The Chinese market, which often sets trends in the global tech sector, is currently experiencing a slowdown in the growth of foldable smartphone shipments. According to Counterpoint Research, this slight deceleration is a stark contrast to the country’s overall dominance in the smartphone industry.

China’s Foldable Smartphone Forecast

Individual shipments of foldable handsets in China, the world’s largest smartphone market, are projected to hit 9.1 million units in 2024. This represents a modest 2% increase from the previous year. Counterpoint’s recent market report released on Friday offers these detailed insights.

Global Trends Impacting China’s Market

The slower growth of foldable handsets in China mirrors a global trend. According to Counterpoint’s November report, worldwide shipments of foldable smartphones dipped by 1% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2023. This decline marks the first historic quarterly drop after six consecutive quarters of growth.

Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Z Flip 6 smartphone is displayed at an event in Seoul, South Korea, on July 8, 2024. Photo EPA-EFE

Factors Behind the Global Decline

The global downturn in foldable smartphone sales is primarily attributed to Samsung Electronics’ underperformance. The company’s release of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Fold 6 models failed to meet expectations, contributing to the first-ever third-quarter decline in foldable smartphone shipments.

Market Outlook for 2024

While the growth in China’s foldable smartphone market is expected to remain modest this year, China is still set to play a dominant role in the global smartphone market. The country is projected to account for more than 50% of the global handset shipments in 2024. This underscores the nation’s continued importance in shaping global tech trends.

Conclusion

The slowdown in China’s foldable smartphone market reflects broader global trends and specific manufacturer challenges. As the market evolves, it remains crucial for tech companies to innovate and adapt to consumer preferences. Despite this recent dip, China’s overall smartphone market is expected to continue growing, with foldable handsets playing a significant role in the future.

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