Foldable Tech in 2025: What’s Next After Smartphones?

The Rise of Foldable Technology

Foldable technology has transitioned from a niche innovation to a mainstream trend, revolutionizing the way we interact with electronic devices. In 2025, foldable smartphones have become increasingly popular, with global shipments reaching 21.4 million units in 2023, marking a significant growth from previous years. This surge is driven by advancements in materials, design, and consumer demand for versatile, portable devices.

Beyond Smartphones: The Expansion into Laptops and Tablets

Rollable and Tri-Fold Devices

The innovation in foldable technology is not limited to smartphones. Companies like Lenovo are pioneering rollable laptops, such as the ThinkBook Plus G6 Rollable, which features a 14-inch display that extends vertically to 16.7 inches, enhancing multitasking capabilities. Similarly, tri-fold devices, like Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate Design, utilize multiple hinges to transform into larger screens, offering tablet-like experiences in compact forms.

Foldable Tablets

Foldable tablets are emerging as a bridge between smartphones and laptops, offering larger screens for productivity and entertainment without compromising portability. These devices are equipped with high-resolution displays, powerful processors, and long-lasting batteries, catering to professionals and creatives on the go.

Wearables: Smartwatches with Foldable Displays

The integration of foldable technology into wearables is redefining personal gadgets. Foldable smartwatches offer larger displays that can be expanded for enhanced functionality, such as viewing messages, maps, or videos. These devices maintain compactness when folded, ensuring comfort and convenience for users.

Automotive Interfaces: Customizable Dashboards

Automotive manufacturers are incorporating foldable displays into vehicle dashboards, providing customizable interfaces for drivers. These flexible screens can adjust to display navigation, media, and vehicle information in various configurations, enhancing the driving experience. The adaptability of foldable displays allows for more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces in modern vehicles.

Healthcare Applications: Portable Monitoring Devices

In healthcare, foldable technology is being utilized to create portable monitoring devices that can be easily transported and deployed in various settings. These devices can fold into compact forms for storage and unfold to provide larger screens for displaying patient data, imaging, and other critical information, facilitating remote diagnostics and emergency care.

The Role of Materials and Durability

Advancements in materials science are crucial to the development of durable foldable devices. Manufacturers are utilizing ultra-thin glass and flexible OLED panels to enhance the longevity and resilience of foldable screens. Improved hinge mechanisms and protective coatings are also being developed to prevent wear and tear, ensuring that foldable devices maintain their functionality over time.

Future Prospects and Challenges

The future of foldable technology holds immense potential, with possibilities extending into various sectors, including education, entertainment, and industrial applications. However, challenges such as high production costs, limited availability of materials, and concerns over device longevity need to be addressed to facilitate widespread adoption. Continued research and development are essential to overcome these hurdles and unlock the full potential of foldable technology.

Future Prospects and Challenges

Innovation Across Industries

Foldable tech is no longer just about smartphones and laptops—it’s transforming how entire industries operate. In retail, foldable point-of-sale (POS) systems and digital signage that can be rolled or folded for mobile deployments are changing customer experiences. Sales representatives can carry compact foldable tablets that expand into full-sized displays for presentations, inventory management, or interactive customer engagement.

In education, foldable tablets and laptops allow schools—especially in developing regions—to provide portable learning solutions. A student could carry a single foldable device that functions as an e-reader, notebook, and interactive whiteboard all in one. This versatility reduces the dependency on multiple gadgets, saves costs, and enhances the learning experience through dynamic, multimedia interfaces.

Obstacles to Mass Adoption

However, adoption of foldable devices still faces significant roadblocks:

• Price Barriers: Foldable devices often carry a premium cost. For instance, a foldable smartphone typically retails for $1,500–$2,000, compared to $600–$800 for a standard smartphone.
• Durability Concerns: Despite improved materials, public perception around the longevity of foldable screens is cautious. People worry about crease formation, hinge failure, or dust infiltration.
• App Optimization: Foldable devices offer new screen dimensions, which demand apps be optimized for multiple layouts. Not all developers are on board yet, leading to inconsistent user experiences.
• Supply Chain Limitations: The unique materials and components used in foldables—such as ultra-thin glass and flexible OLEDs—are still in relatively short supply. This makes manufacturing more expensive and scale-dependent.

These challenges require collaborative efforts across industries, from hardware manufacturers to software developers, and policymakers to suppliers.

Foldable Displays in the Workplace

Enterprise and Corporate Use

In corporate settings, foldable tech is redefining productivity tools. Executives, field workers, and consultants are embracing foldable tablets that unfold into dual-screen monitors or large collaborative surfaces. Imagine a financial advisor unfolding a tablet to present an interactive portfolio to a client, or an architect reviewing building blueprints on a tablet-sized screen that folds into a pocket-sized device.

Companies like Microsoft, Dell, and Lenovo are already exploring such enterprise solutions, with foldables that support stylus input, multitasking, and high-powered processing—tailored for professionals who need performance and portability.

Remote Work and Flexibility

With hybrid work becoming the norm post-pandemic, foldable technology plays a key role in empowering remote workers. Portable foldable displays let professionals convert any environment—a café, a park, a train—into a productive workspace. Some foldable monitors even attach magnetically to laptops, expanding screen real estate without compromising mobility.

Foldable Gaming Devices

Next-Level Gaming Experience

Foldable technology is poised to revolutionize gaming as well. With flexible screens that offer larger viewing areas and immersive visuals, gamers can enjoy portable setups that rival home consoles. Companies like ASUS and Razer are experimenting with foldable gaming laptops and handhelds.

Some upcoming foldable consoles aim to integrate haptic feedback into the screen itself—letting gamers feel in-game textures or interactions via the flexible display. Additionally, rollable or tri-fold gaming monitors offer ultra-wide views, which are perfect for racing games, simulations, or MMOs.

Cloud Gaming Compatibility

As cloud gaming grows through platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Google’s restructured game services, foldable devices serve as ideal front-ends. A single foldable screen can switch from being a controller layout to a widescreen display, giving users console-like experiences from anywhere with a stable internet connection.

Foldable Technology in Smart Homes

Modular Interfaces

Smart homes are becoming smarter—and foldable tech is integrating into walls, countertops, and furniture. Imagine a foldable panel embedded in your kitchen counter that unfolds to show recipes, grocery lists, or family calendars. After cooking, it folds back into the surface, keeping your kitchen minimalist and clean.

In living rooms, foldable OLED TVs can retract into furniture or roll into cylindrical bases, saving space and offering modern aesthetics. LG’s rollable OLED TV has set a precedent for this, and other brands are quickly catching on with more accessible versions.

Smart Appliances and IoT Integration

Refrigerators with foldable touch panels, smart mirrors with retractable displays, and washing machines that integrate foldable controls are reshaping home ergonomics. Foldables let homeowners access and control complex features while keeping interfaces sleek, hidden, or multi-purpose.

Military and Industrial Applications

Durable, Portable Command Systems

Military organizations are early adopters of rugged foldable devices. These devices are used for on-the-go strategic planning, remote surveillance, and communication in the field. Foldable screens that meet military-grade standards are foldable but still resistant to shock, water, and temperature extremes.

They provide real-time satellite imagery, battlefield maps, or drone feeds in fold-out formats, enabling compact transport and broad deployment capabilities.

Industrial Field Use

Field technicians and engineers are also benefitting from foldable devices. Picture an oil rig worker carrying a compact device that unfolds into a screen large enough to view schematics, real-time diagnostics, or remote video support from headquarters. In manufacturing, foldable screens mounted on robotic arms or mobile equipment can be adjusted based on the viewing needs of the operator.

Foldables and Sustainability

Eco-Friendly Impact

Foldable technology could contribute to sustainability in several ways. First, multifunctional foldables may reduce the need for multiple devices—less manufacturing, fewer raw materials, and lower electronic waste. A foldable phone that replaces a tablet and laptop reduces an individual's tech footprint.

Second, foldable screens are increasingly being developed with recyclable materials and low-power consumption designs. Flexible OLEDs, for example, use less power than traditional LCDs and are easier to integrate into energy-efficient workflows.

Repairability and Longevity

Manufacturers are gradually responding to concerns about repairability. Some 2025 foldable devices feature modular hinges or replaceable screen layers, enabling easier repairs and reducing the likelihood of premature device disposal. Brands like Fairphone are already building modular electronics with sustainability at their core—foldables could follow suit.

What Consumers Want in 2025

Customization and Versatility

Consumers are increasingly looking for customizable tech. Foldables offer that, allowing users to adjust screen orientation, multitask with multiple apps, and convert a single device into many forms—phone, book, tablet, or mini-laptop.

In 2025, personalization features are expanding to include AI-driven adaptive displays that adjust based on user preferences or behavior. For example, a foldable e-reader might adapt its layout depending on whether you’re reading fiction, viewing technical documents, or studying diagrams.

Minimalism and Portability

The modern consumer also values minimalism and portability. Foldable tech aligns perfectly with this trend—condensing the capabilities of multiple devices into one sleek, foldable package. Whether for business, travel, education, or entertainment, foldables meet the demand for lightweight, powerful tools that don’t clutter.

Competitive Landscape: Who’s Leading the Fold?

Top Players

Several companies are leading the innovation race:

• Samsung continues to dominate with its Galaxy Z series and flexible display R&D.
• Huawei is investing heavily in tri-fold and book-style designs.
• Lenovo is focused on enterprise solutions with its foldable laptops and monitors.
• Apple, although slower to adopt, is reportedly exploring foldable designs that align with their premium ecosystem.
• BOE Technology and Royole are advancing screen technologies as suppliers and OEMs.

Each brand is focusing on different user segments—ranging from premium consumers to professionals to gamers—indicating a broad and fragmented market with room for niche growth.

Ethical and Social Considerations

Digital Divide and Accessibility

As foldable tech becomes more advanced, it also risks becoming more exclusive. The cost barrier may deepen the digital divide between those who can afford such devices and those who cannot. Policy initiatives and open-source development can help make foldable tech more inclusive and accessible, particularly for students, remote workers, and under-resourced communities.

Screen Time and User Health

With larger, more immersive screens always at our fingertips, screen time management becomes crucial. Mental health professionals warn of increased screen fatigue, especially as foldables make it easier to binge content or work for extended periods. Designers are now tasked with integrating wellness features—such as blue light filters, posture alerts, and app usage monitors—to help users maintain healthy digital habits.

Conclusion

Foldable technology in 2025 has advanced beyond the realm of just smartphones. It has begun to revolutionize various industries, including laptops, wearables, automotive interfaces, healthcare, and entertainment. The year 2025 marks a significant shift in how we perceive personal and professional devices, with foldable screens enabling users to experience unprecedented flexibility, portability, and functionality.

While foldables have been praised for their versatility and unique form factors, several challenges persist. Durability, price barriers, app optimization, and the complexity of manufacturing remain key obstacles to mass adoption. However, as advancements continue in material science, screen durability, and production methods, these issues will likely be addressed in the coming years. The integration of foldable devices into sectors like healthcare, remote work, and smart homes points to a future where foldable tech becomes integral to everyday life.

Foldable technology also promises a significant impact on consumer behavior, offering personalized experiences, minimalistic designs, and an emphasis on portability. In the next decade, we may see the emergence of new use cases, with foldable devices becoming even more embedded into our lifestyles and industries. As we look toward 2030 and beyond, the possibility of wearable, foldable fabrics and augmented reality integrations will likely push the boundaries of what we currently understand as mobile tech.

Ultimately, foldable devices in 2025 are just the beginning. As companies continue to innovate and solve the challenges of this evolving tech, we are on the cusp of experiencing a major shift in how we interact with our gadgets, forever changing the way we live, work, and play.

Q&A

Q1: What is the key difference between foldable phones and traditional smartphones?

A1: Foldable phones have flexible screens that can fold or unfold to offer more screen space and unique form factors, while traditional smartphones have rigid screens with fixed sizes.

Q2: Are foldable devices more durable than regular smartphones?

A2: While foldable devices have seen improvements in durability, especially with materials like ultra-thin glass, they are generally considered less durable due to their moving parts and hinges. However, ongoing advancements are making them more robust.

Q3: How are foldables impacting the laptop industry?

A3: Foldable technology is enabling laptops with screens that expand, offering more flexibility and portability. Devices like rollable laptops and tri-fold displays provide users with larger screens for multitasking without sacrificing portability.

Q4: Will foldable technology become mainstream in 2025?

A4: Yes, foldable tech is expected to become more mainstream in 2025. With improved durability, lower prices, and better app optimization, foldable devices are likely to appeal to a broader range of consumers and industries.

Q5: How is foldable technology being used in healthcare?

A5: In healthcare, foldable technology enables portable monitoring devices that can unfold into larger screens for displaying patient data and medical imaging, enhancing remote diagnostics and providing better care in emergencies.

Q6: Can foldable devices replace multiple gadgets in everyday life?

A6: Yes, foldable devices have the potential to replace multiple gadgets, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, by offering all-in-one functionality in a single, compact, and versatile design.

Q7: What are the challenges in developing foldable technology?

A7: Some of the key challenges include durability concerns, high production costs, the need for app optimization, and limited availability of flexible materials like OLED screens and ultra-thin glass.

Q8: Are foldable devices more environmentally friendly than traditional devices?

A8: Foldable devices have the potential to be more environmentally friendly by reducing the number of devices consumers need to purchase. However, their environmental impact depends on factors like recyclability and energy consumption.

Q9: What industries are adopting foldable tech the fastest?

A9: Industries like automotive, healthcare, enterprise solutions, and gaming are adopting foldable technology quickly due to its ability to improve productivity, offer portability, and create innovative user experiences.

Q10: How will foldable technology evolve in the next decade?

A10: By 2030, foldable tech may evolve into wearable, stretchable displays embedded in clothing, as well as integration with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) systems, offering immersive and flexible interfaces for everyday use.