SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics widened its commanding lead in the foldable smartphone segment it pioneered, capturing 64 percent of the global market in the third quarter with its latest Galaxy Z Fold7 despite intensifying competition from Chinese brands, research showed.
Global foldable shipments rose 14 percent on-year in the July–September period — the highest quarterly volume to date — with Samsung’s book-type flagship exerting “outsized influence,” according to market tracker Counterpoint Friday.
The stronger-than-expected performance was driven by the Z Fold7’s slimmer frame, lighter hardware, improved hinge durability, and reduced crease visibility, features that “broadened its premium appeal,” the firm said.
Chinese brands, meanwhile, continued steady momentum. Motorola “emerged as one of the standout performers globally, expanding its foldable base through competitive pricing, strong channel partnerships and favorable usability reviews,” it added.
Counterpoint forecasts a “more pronounced expansion phase” for foldables in 2026, helped by Apple’s expected entry in the second half of that year.
Samsung is also preparing a first tri-fold model, though initial shipments will be extremely limited. “Scale is not the objective,” said Counterpoint Associate Director Liz Lee. “With competitive dynamics set to shift materially in 2026, especially with Apple’s expected entry into the foldable segment, Samsung is positioning this device as a multi-fold pilot to reinforce its technology leadership. This release is designed to validate durability, hinge architecture and software optimization while gathering real-world user insights ahead of broader commercialization.”
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