IDC: Huawei obliterates competition in China's foldables market

Yordan, 22 January 2025

IDC posted its latest report on the foldable market in China, and it shows that Huawei dominated in the last quarter of 2024. 48.6% of the 2.505 million shipped units were made by the Shenzhen-based company, while Honor was a distant second with a 20.6% market share.

However, interest in foldables seems to have faded, as shipments were almost 10% lower than in the same period 12 months ago.

Foldables shipments in China (blue) and YoY change (yellow) Foldable phones' shipments in China (blue) and YoY change (yellow)

The Q4 2024 period was the first time foldables saw a decline in shipments since tracking the segment began nine quarters ago. IDC pointed out that despite phones becoming thinner and lighter and companies coming up with bigger batteries and less visible creases, customers are not as keen on purchasing a foldable.

Users are still wary of the high pricing; only early adopters buy this kind of smartphone. IDC stated that it became harder to appeal to such specific consumers, and companies need to try harder in terms of technological advancements.

Market share of foldable phones in China, Q4 2024 Market share of foldable phones in China, Q4 2024

Huawei's domination of the market is dictated by the fact the company has the widest portfolio of products despite all competitors having foldables in the two most popular form factors.

There is the affordable nova Flip clamshell and its more expensive alternative Pocket 2; the Mate X6 was just released in late November, and of course, we can't miss the only tri-fold on the market – the Mate XT Ultimate.

Via (in Chinese)


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Reader comments

Faded, well prices of foldables are just stupid, no wonder interest in them it's fading.

I'm not saying foldables are a fad that is going away. Foldables aren't doing anything we haven't seen in the past 15+ years, which is more screen in a portable package. I also agree sales will pick up. We haven't seen S...

Interesting Samsung isnt even on the list. Hahaha Anyway it does not matter less crease or not foldables after 8 years are still nothing than useless gimmick with a very fragile main screen which scratches at mohs pick 2-3 ad is completely oblitter...

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