Designing for foldables — Galaxy Fold, Pixel Fold
Foldable phones went from novelty to 5% of Android sales. Designing for them means thinking in fold states, not screen sizes.
Foldables crossed 5% of Android sales in 2025. Galaxy Fold, Pixel Fold, OnePlus Open. Foldable iPhone leaks for 2027.
Designing for foldables means three states:
- Closed — narrow phone screen (~5"). Standard mobile UI.
- Half-folded (tabletop) — half on table, half upright. Camera apps, video calls.
- Open (tablet) — large 7-8" screen. Side-by-side panels work here.
What changes in code:
- Detect fold state via WindowManager API on Android
- Adapt navigation: bottom tabs on closed, side rail on open
- Handle the hinge — don't put critical UI across the fold line
Most apps still ignore foldables — UX feels like a phone-app stretched. The few that adapt (Outlook, Office, Adobe) win user love.