[Edaily Reporter Han Kwangbeom ] SamsungElectronics(005930)is projected to maintain its No. 1 position in the global foldable smartphone market this year, despite Apple’s entry into the market and intensifying competition.

According to market research firm Counterpoint Research on the 22nd, SamsungElectronics is expected to maintain its lead in the global foldable smartphone market with a 32% market share in 2026. Analysts predict that while the market landscape will shift significantly as Apple enters the market and Huawei continues its strong performance, particularly in the Chinese market, Samsung’s dominant position will persist. Global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026 are projected to increase by 21% year-over-year.

The 2026 market share forecast by manufacturer predicts that Apple will rise to second place with 25%, closely followed by Huawei with 24%. Motorola is projected to follow with 8%, and HONOR with 3%.

With Apple expected to launch its first foldable smartphone, SamsungElectronics’ upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event is likely to serve as a major turning point for the foldable market. SamsungElectronics is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z8 series, which will include the Galaxy Z8 Flip, the Galaxy Z8 Fold, and a foldable device featuring a wider screen. Among these, the wider book-type design is drawing attention for its ability to provide a practical cover screen experience and a larger internal display workspace for multitasking, content consumption, and AI-powered productivity.

As AI capabilities expand beyond simple conversational interfaces into everyday workflows, the importance of the wider “book-type” design is expected to grow. Tasks such as document summarization, content editing, schedule management, and transferring information between multiple apps become more efficient thanks to the wider screen and flexible screen configurations. Analysts predict that for SamsungElectronics, the Fold model with a wider screen will become the core platform for a foldable experience that enables AI-based productivity.

Lee Yoon-jung, a research analyst at Counterpoint Research, stated, “2026 will mark a new turning point for the foldable smartphone market,” adding, “While Apple’s entry into the market is expected to raise consumer awareness and elevate the standards for premium foldable products, Samsung still holds distinct strengths in terms of product quality, distribution channels, and the foldable user experience.”

She added, “Samsung’s next-generation product, featuring a wider design, will be able to provide a more natural foldable experience for users who want to display multiple tasks simultaneously on the screen, check their progress, and utilize AI features across various apps.”