The foldable phone market has a problem. Samsung apparently doesn’t
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 may have shipped approximately 2.85mn units worldwide in just 55 days, according to the new report from market research firm Smart Analytics Global (SAG).
Between July and September 2026, Samsung captured 69% of global foldable smartphone shipments, its largest share since 2023. The company increased shipments by 13% compared with the same period last year, despite the overall market shrinking by 2% to just over 7.5 mn devices.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 accounted for nearly 55% of Samsung’s foldable shipments during the quarter. Based on those figures, the device could have reached approximately 2.85mn shipments between its 7 August launch and 30 September.
Huawei finished second with a 14% market share, down from 18% a year earlier. Motorola followed with 8%, gaining two percentage points.
SAG attributed Huawei’s decline partly to weaker demand in China and competition between its own foldable models, including the newer Pura X View.
Could Apple take Samsung’s crown?
Samsung’s strong quarter may prove difficult to repeat. SAG expects Apple‘s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, to reshape the market as production increases and more countries receive the device.
However, its initial rollout has been slower than expected because of manufacturing difficulties, including concerns over display durability. Analysts have consequently lowered their forecast for foldable shipments in 2026.
Despite those setbacks, SAG predicts the global market will grow by approximately 55% in 2027, with Apple taking more than 40% of shipments and becoming the leading foldable brand.
The research firm also expects wider foldable designs, such as those used by the Galaxy Z Fold8 and iPhone Duo, to account for roughly two-thirds of shipments next year.
