Samsung, once the dominant force in the foldable smartphone market, is facing increased competition as nearly every major smartphone brand has entered the segment. This year, Apple is anticipated to join the foldable phone market, potentially affecting Samsung’s sales figures. Samsung plans to ship between 5 to 6 million units of its Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra models this year, a decrease from the 6 million units shipped last year. The reduction in shipment targets is attributed to rising component costs, including higher prices for memory chips, which could lead to increased prices for these devices, thereby impacting sales. Last year’s sales figures for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 were lower than expected, with a sales ratio of 50:50 compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, a shift from the typical 70:30 ratio seen in previous generations. Despite foldable phones accounting for less than 2% of global smartphone sales last year, Samsung maintained a market share of 35% with cumulative sales reaching 7 million units. Apple is expected to intensify competition in the foldable smartphone sector starting in 2027.
Could Apple’s iPhone Ultra impact Samsung’s foldable phone sales?
