HP Set to Be Abandoned in 2026, as Consumers Flock to Alternatives
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The scarcity of memory chips is impacting the consumer electronics industry, including computers, HPs (handphones), and household appliances. Component prices are projected to increase significantly, which will cause retail prices to rise by up to 20%, according to analysts as reported by the Financial Times.
Amidst uncertain global economic conditions, rising prices for electronic devices without corresponding quality improvements could lead to a decline in consumer interest.
In a recent projection, IDC identified the risk of a decline in the global HP market in 2026, reaching 5% in a pessimistic scenario, along with an increase in average selling prices and longer replacement cycles.
Specifically, an IDC report on December 9, 2025, stated that conventional HPs with non-foldable screens will experience a shipment decline of 1.4% in 2026.
At the same time, more innovative foldable HPs are projected to grow significantly, reaching 29.7% in 2026, as quoted on IDC’s official website on Tuesday (January 6, 2026).
This growth is driven by the anticipated launch of the first foldable iPhone and the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, marking further innovation in the form of a triple-folding HP.
“2026 will be an exciting year for the foldable HP category, with annual growth projected to be nearly 30%, compared to the previous projection of 6%,” said Nabila Popal, IDC’s senior research director.
“Samsung will kick off 2026 with the Galaxy Z TriFold, introducing a triple-folding HP to the mainstream market globally, and building on the success of the Galaxy Z Fold7 in 2025. Foldable HPs from Huawei with the HarmonyOS Next operating system will also show strong growth, with shipments projected to nearly double in 2026. However, the game-changer for the foldable HP category will emerge in late 2026 when Apple enters this sector,” she added.
VP for client devices at IDC, Francisco Jeronimo, said that Apple’s first foldable HP will mark a new chapter in the foldable HP segment.
“Apple’s move will drive interest in the foldable HP category. Apple tends to act as a catalyst for the adoption of new product categories in the mainstream market. Although foldable HPs will remain a niche segment in terms of volume, foldable HPs will become a relevant value driver for most vendors offering them, as the average selling price will be three times higher than standard HPs,” he said.
The consumer trend in 2026 to use their HPs for longer periods is making replacement cycles more challenging for HP manufacturers. As such, foldable HPs are becoming increasingly important for an industry that has reached a saturation point and needs meaningful innovation to motivate upgrades and drive value.
The foldable HP category is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17% until 2029, compared to less than 1% for the conventional HP segment.
Furthermore, IDC reported that in 2026, the operating system that will dominate the foldable HP market is Android, with a share of 61%. Apple will then take a 22% share, and HarmonyOS Next will have a 17% share.
It should be noted that these projections are still subject to change, depending on market dynamics.
(fsd/fsd)