Samsung Electronics is seeking to strengthen its position in the foldable smartphone market as growing consumer interest coincides with Apple’s entry into the segment.
The South Korean technology giant said the proportion of iOS users switching to its latest Galaxy Z Fold8 series globally was 1.6 times higher than the switching rate recorded for the previous-generation Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7.
Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold8 series in July, having pioneered the modern foldable smartphone category with its first Galaxy Fold in 2019.
The company’s latest push comes as Apple unveils its first foldable iPhone, marking one of the technology giant’s major product introductions under its new Chief Executive Officer, John Ternus.
In the United States, Samsung said 30 percent of Galaxy Z Flip8 buyers switched from competing smartphone brands, with most of the new customers purchasing a foldable device for the first time.
According to the company, Galaxy Z Fold8 buyers were particularly attracted to the device’s thin and lightweight design, as well as its inner display, which supports multitasking and content consumption.
It added that buyers of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra were drawn to its larger screen and additional workspace, allowing them to perform more tasks without relying on a separate tablet.
Samsung is also seeking to lower the barriers for iPhone users considering a switch to its Galaxy ecosystem.
The company recently upgraded its Smart Switch feature, enabling iPhone users to transfer data wirelessly to a Galaxy device by scanning a QR code without installing the Smart Switch application on their iPhones.
Despite Samsung’s current lead, Apple’s entry is expected to significantly reshape competition in the global foldable smartphone market.
Counterpoint Research projected in July that Samsung would retain the largest share of the global foldable smartphone market in 2026, with 32 percent, while Apple is expected to secure 25 percent after entering the segment.
Huawei is also expected to remain a major competitor, particularly in the Chinese market.
Boluwatife Enome
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