Thinning folding phones is possible through a single method, but I don't foresee the immediate abandonment of USB-C ports.
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, the USB-C port continues to be a staple feature on today's smartphones, despite the rise of foldable devices. While Android phone manufacturers adopted USB-C in the late 2010s, Apple lagged behind until 2023 due to regulatory pressure.
The compact and versatile USB-C connector, introduced in 2014, was designed to replace larger connectors and unify charging and data transfer ports across devices. Its small size makes it suitable even in thin and folding devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, a very thin and light foldable phone that still retains a USB-C port.
Despite the space constraints posed by folding smartphones, manufacturers like Samsung continue to include USB-C ports on flagship foldables such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Reviews praise the trade-offs Samsung managed to make while keeping USB-C intact, suggesting that space constraints in folding phones have not eliminated the USB-C port.
Although foldables must accommodate hinges and flexible displays, manufacturers appear to optimize internal layouts rather than remove the USB-C connector. The presence of high-end cameras and various hardware inside the thin body implies engineers are finding ways to fit USB-C alongside other components.
The widespread adoption of wireless charging has not yet led to the elimination of smartphone ports. In the Android world, phones can support close to 100W of power delivery with wired charging but typically around 25W with wireless charging. The MagSafe 15W charger, for instance, had 41% efficiency in comparison.
The idea of a portless smartphone was first proposed in a 2020 YouTube video by MKBHD. However, no emerging portable device trends or standards have been reported to replace or make USB-C obsolete due to folding form factor challenges by mid-2025.
In conclusion, while folding smartphones require careful internal engineering, USB-C remains the standard and feasible physical port for foldables. There is no strong evidence that foldables threaten its continued existence due to space constraints. The USB-C port's days are not numbered, despite the trend towards slimmer folding phone designs.
