The Rise of Foldable Tech: Gimmick or Game Changer?

Technology has always thrived on reinvention. Every decade brings a bold new form factor, from the shift to touchscreens in the late 2000s to the rise of wearables in the 2010s. Now, foldable devices are making waves. But the big question remains: are they just a flashy gimmick or the next big leap in personal tech?

What Exactly Is Foldable Tech?

Foldable tech refers to devices, mostly smartphones and tablets, that use flexible OLED displays to fold or unfold into different sizes. Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, and Motorola lead the charge, with models like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Motorola Razr+. Apple, interestingly, has stayed on the sidelines—at least for now.

This innovation is powered by flexible glass and hinge mechanisms designed to endure thousands of folds. But does this actually enhance daily use, or is it innovation for innovation’s sake?

Why Did Foldables Emerge Now?

Why wasn’t foldable tech mainstream in 2015 or even 2018? The answer lies in display technology. Flexible OLED panels became commercially viable only in the late 2010s, and materials like ultra-thin glass made durability possible.

Another factor is market saturation. With slab smartphones looking almost identical, brands needed differentiation. Foldables provide a wow factor that gets people talking, much like the original iPhone did in 2007. But does hype translate to lasting adoption?

The Case for Foldables as a Game Changer

1. Bigger Screens, Smaller Pockets

Users want larger displays for gaming, streaming, and multitasking. But they don’t want a device that feels like carrying a tablet. Foldables solve this paradox by offering compact portability and expansive screen real estate.

2. True Multitasking Power

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 lets users run up to three apps side by side. Imagine editing a Google Doc while referencing a YouTube tutorial and replying to Slack—all on one screen. That’s a genuine productivity leap for mobile workers.

3. A Bridge to New Categories

Foldables may serve as a stepping stone toward rollable screens, dual-screen laptops, or even foldable wearables. Just as phablets paved the way for larger smartphones, foldables could normalize flexible electronics.

The Skeptic’s View: Are They Just Gimmicks?

1. Durability Concerns

Even with improvements, foldable screens remain more fragile than traditional glass. Hinges attract dust, and screen creases still exist. A $1,800 device with reliability questions doesn’t inspire mass adoption.

2. Price Point Problems

Most foldables cost $1,200–$2,000, making them luxury items. When flagship slabs like the iPhone 15 Pro Max already push $1,199, asking more for experimental tech narrows the audience.

3. App Optimization Lag

Not all apps are designed for foldable layouts. Many simply scale awkwardly, which undercuts the seamless multitasking pitch. Until developers fully optimize for foldables, the experience feels inconsistent.

Who’s Actually Buying Foldables?

Early adopters are the biggest buyers today—tech enthusiasts and professionals who value multitasking. According to IDC, foldable smartphone shipments are projected to hit 48.1 million units by 2027, up from just 8.9 million in 2022 (IDC). That’s rapid growth, but it’s still a sliver compared to the 1.2 billion smartphones shipped annually worldwide.

So, while foldables are growing, they aren’t mainstream yet. The real question is: will mass-market users find enough everyday value to justify the switch?

What’s Next for Foldables?

Samsung is doubling down, while Motorola leans on nostalgia with its Razr line. Google joined in with the Pixel Fold in 2023. Rumors swirl that Apple is testing foldable concepts for a 2025–2026 release. If Apple enters, history suggests mainstream adoption could follow.

Beyond phones, foldable laptops from Lenovo and ASUS already exist, though they’re niche. Imagine a MacBook that folds into an iPad-sized device, or a smartwatch that expands into a phone. The possibilities hint at a future where foldables aren’t just gimmicks—they’re everyday essentials.

Final Verdict: Gimmick or Game Changer?

Foldables sit at a crossroads. Right now, they are partly a gimmick—flashy, expensive, and fragile. But they’re also laying the groundwork for a new era of device design. If prices drop, durability improves, and apps catch up, foldables could redefine mobile computing the way the iPhone redefined smartphones.

The real game changer isn’t just folding—it’s flexibility. And that might reshape how we think about screens altogether.