Shipments are projected to rise 45% in 2023 to 18.6 million units as newer models with lower prices, and better displays contribute to growing interest among consumers for this form factor.
Analysts at DSCC are predicting a busy year for foldable smartphones. The company expects to see at least 37 different models ship in 2023 from 10 different brands. That compared to 19 models from 7 brands in 2022. Furthermore, the company has insight into one Chinese brand that is ordering low volumes of 8″ multi-fold displays in late 2023 for introduction in early 2024, a harbinger of even larger displays that could be enabled by foldables.
Panel shipments are expected to rise 52% to 23.2 million units. Samsung Display (SDC) had been the sole supplier of color on encapsulation (CoE) technology that was largely responsible for enabling thinner, more durable foldable displays. However, in 2023, analysts expect two to three Chinese suppliers to deliver CoE panels resulting in 38% market penetration and use in 17 different models (up from 24% penetration in 2022).
