Passport-style foldables emerge as smartphone makers chase a wider, shorter form factor
Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi and Motorola are pushing foldables toward compact, passport-style designs, pairing larger cover screens with premium pricing and flagship specifications. The shift could reshape the high-end smartphone upgrade cycle in India.
What happened
Smartphone makers including Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi and Motorola are shifting foldable phones toward short, wide passport-style designs. The article highlights
Key facts
- 2026
- Apple iPhone Duo starts at Rs 2.9 lakh
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at Rs 1.8 lakh
- iPhone Duo 5.4-inch outer display
- Xiaomi 18 Fold under 9mm thick
- Xiaomi 18 Fold up to 16GB RAM
- Xiaomi 18 Fold up to 1TB storage
- Xiaomi 18 Fold 5.8-inch cover display
- Xiaomi 18 Fold 7.9-inch inner display
- Xiaomi 18 Fold 5,100mAh battery
- 90W wired charging
- 50W wireless charging
- 50MP quad-camera system
Why this matters
Component, hinge, display and carrier-financing partnerships may become more strategic as smartphone brands race to differentiate compact foldable portfolios.
What to watch
- Launch timing, pricing and India availability of Apple’s first foldable device.
- Samsung, Xiaomi and Motorola cover-screen dimensions, folded thickness, weight and claimed hinge durability.
- Foldable ASPs after bank offers, exchange bonuses and festive-season discounts.
- Repair turnaround times, screen-replacement pricing and insurance claim rates in India.
- Share of foldables in premium smartphone sales and conversion rates from retail demos.
- Availability of premium component supply, especially flexible OLED panels and hinge assemblies.
- Increase in-store demo inventory and trained sales staff for foldable usability, hinge durability and device-transfer demonstrations.
- Expand trade-in, zero-cost EMI and buyback programs to reduce the upfront barrier for premium foldables.
- Bundle screen protection, accidental-damage coverage, cases and cloud-storage plans into foldable purchase offers.
- Create dedicated premium experience zones rather than merchandising foldables alongside standard smartphones.
- Track demand for compact foldables versus book-style models before committing to broad inventory allocations.