According to a report from a South Korean publication, Oppo and Vivo may be withdrawing from the foldable phone market. While there is no official statement from either brand, the report suggests that their decision may be due to a decline in market share in this segment last year.
Oppo and Vivo's Potential Exit from the Foldable Market
Oppo entered the foldable phone market in 2021, while Vivo launched its foldable smartphone in 2022. Both brands have been steadily releasing new foldable phones, although Vivo's devices are limited to the Chinese market. However, if the report is accurate, it is possible that even OnePlus may not release a new foldable phone. On the other hand, Huawei is reportedly working on a tri-foldable phone, while Samsung is developing a rollable display phone.
Uncertain Future for Oppo and Vivo
As of now, there is no official statement from Oppo and Vivo regarding their potential exit from the foldable phone market. It is advisable to await further reports to understand how the situation unfolds. The report suggests that their decision may be influenced by a significant decline in market share in this segment last year.
Huawei's Tri-Foldable Device
Huawei, one of the early pioneers in the foldable phone market, is reportedly developing a Z-shaped tri-foldable device targeting the tablet PC market. This device may offer a screen space of up to 10 inches when unfolded, and Huawei aims to sell over 130 million units annually.
Competition from Apple and Samsung
Apple's iPad currently dominates the tablet PC market with a 40 percent market share, while Samsung's Galaxy Tab comes in second with a 19 percent market share. In response to Huawei's developments, both Apple and Samsung are reportedly advancing their foldable products.
Samsung's Rollable and Tri-Foldable Phones
Samsung leads the foldable phone segment with a 66 percent market share in 2023. The company is said to be working on a rollable display phone and possibly a tri-foldable phone similar to Huawei's. Meanwhile, Apple is rumored to be developing its first horizontally foldable phone, with expected production slated for 2026.
