How Android App Development Is Evolving with Foldable Devices

The Android ecosystem is undergoing a remarkable transformation driven by advancements in hardware technology — and foldable devices are leading the charge. Once considered futuristic, foldables are now becoming mainstream, with global shipments expected to surpass 48 million units in 2025, according to Statista. This evolving landscape is reshaping Android app development, compelling businesses and developers to rethink their strategies.

In this blog, we explore how Android app development is adapting to foldable technology, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and why now is the perfect time to hire Android app developers who are skilled in building foldable-friendly experiences. Whether you’re a startup or a large enterprise looking to work with the best Android app development company, understanding this evolution is key to staying competitive.

Understanding Foldable Devices

Foldable devices include smartphones and tablets with flexible displays that can expand or contract. Common formats include:

• Book-style foldables (e.g., Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series)

• Clamshell-style foldables (e.g., Galaxy Z Flip series, Motorola Razr)

• Dual-screen devices (e.g., Microsoft Surface Duo)

These devices combine the compactness of a phone with the utility of a tablet, offering new possibilities for multi-tasking, app continuity, and enhanced user experiences.

Why Foldables Are Gaining Traction

The foldable device market is growing at an exponential rate:

• IDC predicts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.6% through 2027.

• Samsung dominates the segment, with over 60% market share, pushing innovations through One UI and Flex Mode.

For developers, this means building apps that are responsive, dynamic, and optimized for variable screen sizes, offering a competitive edge.

Key Impacts on Android App Development

1. Responsive and Adaptive UI Design

Foldable devices challenge the traditional fixed-screen paradigm. Developers must build interfaces that adapt to:

• Single-screen mode (folded)

• Expanded screen (unfolded)

• Multi-window mode

Jetpack WindowManager helps detect and adapt to screen changes in real-time, enabling app continuity and UI reflow. For example, a messaging app could show the chat list on one side and messages on the other when unfolded.

Pro Tip: Use ConstraintLayout and SlidingPaneLayout to design flexible layouts for foldables.

2. App Continuity and State Management

When a user folds or unfolds a device, the app should continue seamlessly without losing its state.

Android developers must handle lifecycle events like:

• onConfigurationChanged

• onMultiWindowModeChanged

Google’s Android 12L and Android 13 offer enhanced APIs for managing fold transitions, posture changes, and multi-resume scenarios.

3. Multi-Window and Multi-Tasking Optimization

Foldables empower users to run multiple apps side-by-side. Apps must now be optimized for:

• Split-screen view

• Drag-and-drop interactions

• Resizable activities

This presents unique opportunities for enterprise apps, productivity tools, and AI-driven utilities, especially when created by an Artificial Intelligence development company.

4. Camera and Multimedia Adaptations

Foldables have multiple cameras, dual displays, and Flex Mode functionalities that redefine how users interact with media apps. Developers must consider:

• Different camera placements

• Split preview for dual screens

• Adaptive aspect ratios for media playback

Apps like YouTube and Google Meet have already implemented custom layouts for foldable posture.

5. AI Integration in Foldable Apps

AI is playing a growing role in improving the foldable experience:

• Adaptive UIs that change based on usage patterns

• Intelligent screen optimization for battery and performance

• Context-aware app behavior (e.g., resizing content intelligently)

For businesses, working with an Artificial Intelligence development company can supercharge user engagement by incorporating machine learning features into foldable apps.

Also Read: Boosting Sales And Marketing Efficiency With CRM Software

Business Benefits of Foldable-Aware Apps

1. Improved User Engagement

Larger screens and immersive experiences drive longer session times and higher retention.

2. Early Mover Advantage

Few businesses are fully optimizing for foldables — now is the time to stand out.

3. Increased ROI

Offering foldable support can improve user satisfaction and justify premium pricing tiers.

4. Support for Productivity Use Cases

Enterprise solutions that take advantage of multi-window capabilities can enhance workflows dramatically.

Android App Development Cost for Foldables

Developing for foldables can increase Android app development cost due to:

• Custom UI/UX design

• Extra testing on multiple form factors

• Advanced state management logic

• AI-based feature integration

On average:

• Standard Android app: $15,000 to $50,000

• Foldable-optimized app: $25,000 to $80,000

• AI-powered foldable app: $40,000 to $100,000+

To minimize risks and get the most value, it’s crucial to hire Android app developers with experience in both foldables and adaptive UI design.

Tools and Frameworks for Foldable Development

Case Studies: Brands Leading in Foldable Experiences

1. Samsung

Samsung’s proprietary apps are optimized for foldables with Flex Mode. Samsung Notes and Gallery allow dual-screen editing and viewing.

2. Microsoft Outlook

On Surface Duo, Outlook uses a dual-pane layout: inbox on one screen, email content on the other.

3. Google Apps

Gmail, YouTube, and Meet are foldable-ready, adapting gracefully to multi-window and flex postures.

Why You Should Work with the Best Android App Development Company

When building for foldables, you need a team that understands:

• Adaptive design principles

• Foldable hardware and APIs

• Mobile performance optimization

• AI-powered feature development

A best Android app development company brings not just technical expertise but also UI/UX design proficiency and QA testing capabilities that foldable apps require.

How to Hire Android App Developers for Foldable Projects

What to Look For:

• Proven experience with foldable devices

• Familiarity with Android 12L, Android 13, Jetpack libraries

• Understanding of app continuity and adaptive UI

• Portfolio of responsive and multi-window apps

Where to Hire:

• Freelance platforms (Upwork, Toptal)

• App development companies with Android focus

• Outsourcing to a specialized Android app development company with AI capabilities

Future Trends: What’s Next for Foldable App Development?

1. Foldables in the Enterprise
   More productivity, healthcare, and logistics apps will emerge targeting foldable devices.

2. AI-First Foldable Apps
   Personalized experiences powered by AI will dominate — such as smart split-screens and predictive UI flows.

3. Wearables + Foldables Integration
   Seamless interactions across foldable phones and smartwatches.

4. AR/VR + Foldables
   Foldables will serve as gateways to immersive AR experiences, especially with Android’s ARCore.

Final Thoughts

Foldable devices are reshaping the mobile app development landscape. Businesses that adapt their Android apps to support foldables can unlock new user experiences, higher engagement, and strong brand differentiation.

Whether you’re building a new app or upgrading an existing one, now is the time to hire Android app developers who are skilled in foldable technology and adaptive design. Partnering with the best Android app development company or a forward-thinking Artificial Intelligence development company will ensure your app not only functions but thrives in this evolving ecosystem.