Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Samsung and Apple Intensify Foldable Smartphone Battle in India
Samsung has launched three new foldable smartphones ahead of Apple's expected entry into the foldable market.
Samsung currently dominates the foldable market in India with about 89% share, while Motorola holds around 8%.
Apple's entry is expected to bring credibility to the foldable form factor and accelerate consumer adoption.
Analysts believe Apple's presence will push suppliers to improve durability standards and accelerate innovation.
The foldable market is projected to grow significantly, with book-style foldables expected to account for nearly two-thirds of India's foldable shipments by 2026.
Despite the overall smartphone market slowing down, foldables remain a bright spot with projected growth.
Samsung launched Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip8 ahead of Apple's expected foldable iPhone.
Samsung holds 89% of India's foldable market, with Motorola at around 8%.
Apple's entry is expected to boost credibility and accelerate adoption of foldable smartphones.
Foldable smartphone shipments in India are projected to grow at an 80% compound annual rate, reaching 3 million units by 2026.
Overall smartphone shipments are expected to decline by 13-14% due to rising memory and component costs.
- Who
- Samsung, Apple, Motorola
- What
- Launch of new foldable smartphones and Apple's expected entry into the foldable market
- When
- Samsung's launches were last week; Apple's expected launch is around September
- Where
- India
- Why
- To intensify competition and accelerate the adoption of foldable smartphones in the slowing smartphone market
Samsung's Dominance
Apple's Market Influence
Market Share
Samsung's Dominance
Samsung currently holds about 89% of India's foldable market, making it the dominant player.
Apple's Market Influence
Apple's entry is expected to lend credibility to the foldable form factor and accelerate consumer adoption.
Consumer Confidence
Samsung's Dominance
Samsung has been a pioneer in the foldable smartphone market, introducing multiple models annually.
Apple's Market Influence
Apple's presence could bring greater confidence to the category, especially among iPhone users who have been waiting for an Apple foldable.
Innovation and Competition
Samsung's Dominance
Samsung's recent launches are seen as routine annual upgrades to strengthen its foldable portfolio.
Apple's Market Influence
Apple's entry is expected to push suppliers to improve durability standards and accelerate innovation across the ecosystem.
- Samsung's Market Share
- 89%
- Motorola's Market Share
- 8%
- Projected Foldable Shipments by 2026
- 3 million units
- Projected Growth Rate
- 80% compound annual rate since 2019
- Overall Smartphone Shipments Decline
- 13-14% decline to about 133-134 million units
- Expected Apple Foldable Launch
- September, alongside iPhone 18 Pro
- Projected Foldable Shipments Growth
- 8% increase this year
- Book-Style Foldables Market Share by 2026
- Nearly two-thirds of India's foldable shipments