Global foldable smartphone shipments are forecast to grow 21% in 2026 as Apple prepares to enter a market Samsung helped create. Counterpoint Research expects Samsung to retain the lead with a 32% share, down from 40% in 2025, while Apple could take 25% in its first year and Huawei could hold 24%. The market is moving towards wider book-style devices, but price, durability, cameras, battery life and software will decide whether foldables move beyond wealthy early adopters.

As Samsung prepares the Galaxy Z Fold8, it will be under direct pressure from well-established foldables from the likes Honor, and Apple's highly anticipated iPhone Ultra.

Samsung grew 25% ahead of its biggest foldable launch ever this week. Apple is nine weeks away.

Samsung is ready to take a risk.