The latest report from Counterpoint Research shows that Apple will become the second largest foldable phone maker immediately upon launch, while Samsung will remain the market leader but with a reduced market share.
Counterpoint Research, a market research firm, has published a forecast report.Smartphones.The latest foldable smartphone report states that global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026 are expected to grow by 21 percent compared to the previous year. Apple, entering this market for the first time, is projected to capture up to 25 percent, equivalent to one quarter of all foldable smartphone shipments this year.
The Counterpoint Research report believes Samsung will continue to lead the global foldable smartphone market in 2026, although its market share will decline from 40 percent in 2025 to 32 percent.
Meanwhile, Apple is expected to launch in the market as the second largest with a 25 percent share, slightly ahead of Huawei, which is forecasted to hold 24 percent, down from 30 percent the previous year. Motorola is projected to have 8 percent, down from 12 percent, and Honor’s share is expected to decrease from 7 percent to 3 percent. Other brands combined are expected to hold the remaining 8 percent, compared to 11 percent in 2025.
Overall, Counterpoint expects Apple’s market entry to drive a 21 percent increase in global foldable smartphone shipments compared to the previous year and predicts intensified competition in the premium book-type foldable segment.
The report also notes that the wider book-type foldable design is likely to become increasingly important as AI features shift from chat applications. to daily work processes such as summarizing documents, editing content, managing schedules, and transferring data across apps—all benefiting from larger screen space and more flexible layouts. In Samsung’s case, it offers two book-type foldable models:Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.andGalaxy Z Fold8.Both were unveiled at the recent Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event.The wider screen on the Fold8 model provides increased usable space.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 features a passport-like design, with a shorter and wider body, which is rumored to resemble Apple’s first foldable phone, the iPhone Ultra.
Source:Counterpoint Research