Samsung will remain the leader in this segment
Consulting company DSCC expects a significant increase in shipments of foldable smartphones in the second half of the year. The DSCC predicts that shipments will hit a record every month from August to December. DSCC CEO Ross Young explained the reasons for the explosive growth:
DSCC predicts a sharp rise in shipments of foldable smartphones in the second half of the year
“There are a number of reasons for this. First, Samsung has delayed the release of its 2021 foldable smartphones until the third quarter. At least three models are expected, and Samsung is positioning the foldable Z Fold line as the second flagship series replacing the Note series. In addition, they are expected to introduce a foldable device at a more aggressive price point. Thus, in the second half of the year Samsung has a lot of work to do. At the same time, Samsung Display will begin selling ultra-thin glass (UTG) foldable displays to other brands, leading to a number of new products. In fact, we expect to see at least 12 different foldable smartphones on the market from at least 8 brands, with over three million units shipped in the fourth quarter of 21. The volume of shipments for the whole year is to reach 5.1 million units, up 128% [over 2020],
In the fourth quarter of 2020, shipments of foldable smartphones grew 54% qoq and 242% yoy. However, it is expected that in the first quarter of this year, deliveries will grow by only 1% on an annualized basis, and in the second quarter they will even decline by 40% due to the lack of new models. However, in the third quarter, growth will exceed 100%. Analysts give the same forecast for the fourth quarter.