Foldable smartphone market set to cross 100 million units in 2026

Global foldable smartphone shipments are expected to cross the 100 million-unit milestone by the end of 2026, with Apple's first foldable iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 expected to provide a major boost to the growing market. According to projections from Counterpoint Research cited by PhoneArena, Apple is expected to enter the foldable smartphone market with its much-anticipated iPhone Ultra, although the company is unlikely to become the world's leading foldable smartphone vendor in its first year. The report suggests that Samsung could maintain its position as the global leader in foldable smartphone shipments despite increased competition from Apple. Samsung expected to retain foldable market lead Samsung accounted for around 40% of global foldable smartphone shipments in 2025, according to the report. Its market share is now projected to stand at 38% in 2026, up significantly from an earlier Counterpoint forecast of 32% made in July. The stronger-than-expected performance of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 is believed to have contributed to the revised outlook. Huawei, meanwhile, is projected to see its share fall from 30% in 2025 to around 22% in 2026, potentially allowing Samsung to widen its lead over the Chinese manufacturer. Apple expected to take second place Apple is forecast to capture approximately 25% of global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026, according to the projections. That would place Apple ahead of Huawei and make it the second-largest player in the foldable smartphone market despite the company's relatively late entry into the segment. The first-generation foldable iPhone, widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra, is expected to face production challenges and could be launched in stages. Apple's entry is nevertheless expected to significantly expand consumer interest in foldable smartphones and contribute to the market reaching the 100 million-unit milestone. Foldable market enters new phase The expected rise in shipments highlights the growing competition among Apple, Samsung and Chinese smartphone manufacturers in the foldable segment. With Apple entering the market and Samsung strengthening its position, 2026 could mark a major turning point for foldable smartphones as manufacturers compete for a larger share of the rapidly expanding market.