Samsung Secures 69% of the Foldable Smartphone Market in Q3 2026
The company's growth was primarily driven by the Galaxy Z Fold8 model, which accounted for over half of its shipments.
According to Smart Analytics Global (SAG), global shipments of foldable smartphones declined by 2% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2026, reaching 7.5 million units. Meanwhile, Samsung strengthened its leadership, capturing 69% of the market. This is the company's highest share since 2023.
The manufacturer's success was bolstered by the Galaxy Z Fold8. According to insider Ice Universe, approximately 2.85 million units of the smartphone were shipped within 55 days of its launch. Huawei, despite losing four percentage points, retained second place. Motorola, on the other hand, increased its share by two points due to expanded sales of the Razr 70 series.
SAG revised its 2026 forecast downward, citing production challenges for Apple's iPhone Duo and weaker-than-expected demand in China, among other factors. However, analysts predict a 55% growth in the foldable device market in 2027. They estimate that Apple could capture around 40% of this segment once production stabilizes, with large-format foldable models accounting for roughly two-thirds of sales.
