An overview of how early commercial foldables evolved from the Royole FlexPai and Samsung's initial screen durability hurdles into modern devices featuring ultra-thin glass, hinge improvements, and water resistance.
It all started in 2019. Royole introduced the FlexPai at CES 2019 as the first commercially available foldable smartphone. Tests at the time showed that the device was crudely constructed and difficult to use, but it proved that flexible displays could be put into production.
Shortly after, in February 2019, Samsung released the first Galaxy Fold, priced just under $2.000. Critics found that the screens were breaking because a plastic film that served as a screen protector had been removed. This situation forced the company to delay the release and recall the devices for redesign.
Around the same time, Huawei introduced the Mate X, which differed by folding outwards with a single screen that wrapped the device around the outside. This model was not sold in the United States due to sanctions, while in the following years the company returned to inward folding with the Mate X2.
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Improving durability and reducing prices
In the following years, manufacturers focused on improving the devices. Samsung introduced ultra-thin glass on the displays in 2020 with the Galaxy Z Flip, while in 2021 the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 gained water resistance. Later, the Galaxy Fold 6 added partial dust protection, while Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold reached full water and dust protection in 2025.
Meanwhile, in 2021 Oppo managed to make the folding line on the screen almost invisible with the Find N. At the same time, mirror-folding phones, such as the updated version of the Motorola Razr and the $999 Galaxy Z Flip 3, helped bring prices down to the levels of regular flagship phones.
Apple's entry into the market
Apple announced the iPhone Duo in 2026 with a starting price of $1.999. The device has a 7,6-inch internal display, a 5,4-inch external display, and is the size of a passport when folded. Analysts estimate that sales of the new model will reach 6 million units within 2026.
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