"Samsung to Maintain No. 1 in Foldable Market With 32% Share This Year... Global Shipments Up 21%"

Apple's Entry Intensifies Competition
Samsung’s Market Share Drops from 40% to 32% This Year

Amid expectations that global competition in the foldable smartphone market will intensify, it is projected that Samsung Electronics will maintain its number one position, despite a decline in market share.

Foldable Smartphone Shipment Market Share (2025, 2026 Forecast). Counterpoint Research.

On the 22nd, global market research firm Counterpoint Research projected that worldwide foldable smartphone shipments this year will increase by 21% compared to the previous year. They attribute this growth to ongoing demand for premium “book-type” foldable models, intensifying competition among major smartphone manufacturers, and Apple’s entry into the market.

In particular, despite Samsung Electronics’ market share falling from 40% last year to 32% this year, the company is expected to remain in the lead.

Apple, entering the market for the first time this year, is forecast to capture a 25% share and immediately climb to the second spot. Huawei, which held second place last year with a 30% share, is expected to drop to third with a 24% share, followed by Motorola (8%) and Honor (3%).

Counterpoint Research analyzed that the book-type design, which unfolds like a book, will serve as a key element in enabling on-device AI productivity. The larger and more flexible screen layout is expected to enhance user experiences such as document summarization, content editing, calendar management, and moving information between various applications.

Yoonjung Lee, Senior Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research, stated, "2026 will mark a new turning point in the foldable smartphone market," and added, "While Apple’s market entry is expected to raise consumer awareness and set new standards for premium foldable products, Samsung holds distinct advantages in terms of product completeness, distribution networks, and the overall foldable user experience."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.