Foldable phones may be reaching a turning point for mainstream adoption after seven years of technical trial and error, as Apple joins a market where Samsung Electronics, Huawei, Oppo, Honor and Google have worked to improve creases, durability, thickness and prices. Engadget said foldables have overcome many early limitations. Early models faced design, durability and cost issues, while later generations added stronger materials and higher water and dust resistance. Counterpoint projected 2026 iPhone Duo sales of 6 million units.

A key mistake when using a foldable phone is closing it with debris trapped between the screens, including dust or sand. The inner display differs from the hard front glass of conventional smartphones and can be damaged by strong pressure or scraping with a fingernail. Protection against solid particles varies by model based on IP ratings. Manufacturers’ fold-cycle figures are based on specific test conditions and do not guarantee real-world lifespan.