Key Takeaways
- SAG tracks global foldable smartphone shipments declined 2% YoY to 3.4 million units in Q2 2026, significantly outperforming the broader smartphone market, which went down 8% YoY.
- Huawei maintained its market leadership with a 48% global market share, supported by the successful ramp-up of the Pura X Max and continued strong demand for the Mate X7 and Pura X in China.
- Samsung shipments increased 25% YoY, driven by the healthy demand of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. The competitive pricing and sales promotions across North America and Europe largely led to the solid growth.
- Honor delivered the strongest growth among major vendors, thanks to the rollout of Magic V6 model, while Lenovo-Motorola declined following higher pricing and a slower rollout of the Razr 70 series.
- SAG expects Samsung to regain the global foldable smartphone leadership in Q3 2026 and forecasts Apple to become the market leader in 2027, expanding the overall foldable smartphone market.
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., July 20, 2026 — Smart Analytics Global (SAG) estimates global foldable smartphone shipments declined 2% year over year to 3.4 million units during the second quarter of 2026. Although the category remained under pressure, foldables continued to significantly outperform the broader smartphone market. SAG estimates total global smartphone shipments declined 8% YoY in Q2 2026 and forecasts a 12% YoY decline for full-year 2026.
The relatively resilient performance demonstrates that premium smartphone buyers continue to embrace foldable devices despite a weaker macroeconomic environment and slowing replacement demand across the broader smartphone industry.
Exhibit 1: Global Foldable Smartphone Vendor Share in Q2 2026
Huawei Extended Its Leadership
Huawei remained the world’s largest foldable smartphone vendor during Q2 2026, capturing 48% of global shipments.
The company’s leadership was driven by the rapid ramp-up of the Pura X Max, complemented by continued healthy demand for the Mate X7 and Pura X. Huawei also benefited from its strong position in the China premium smartphone market, where foldable adoption continues to outpace most overseas markets.
Samsung Maintained Momentum with Double Digit Growth
Samsung recorded one of the strongest performances among major vendors, with shipments increasing 25% YoY.
Healthy demand for the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, supported by stable pricing for entry-level configurations and aggressive promotional activities across North America and Europe, helped Samsung maintain its strong momentum throughout the quarter.
Looking ahead, SAG expects Samsung to reclaim the global foldable smartphone market leadership in Q3 2026, driven by the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 family in London this week. The new lineup is expected to include a new wide-fold model featuring Flex Titanium Technology for improved crease reduction, alongside upgraded battery performance and enhanced camera capabilities.
Lenovo-Motorola and Honor Showed Diverging Momentum
Lenovo-Motorola remained the No. 3 foldable smartphone vendor globally in Q2 2026 but saw shipments decline 28% YoY. The weaker performance was primarily driven by the higher pricing and slower rollout of the Razr 70 series across several key markets, particularly in North America and Europe.
Honor ranked No. 4, trailing Lenovo-Motorola by only a narrow margin. The company delivered the strongest growth among all major vendors, with shipments increasing 82% YoY, as the Magic V6 continued gaining traction in both China and overseas markets.
The market remains highly concentrated, with Huawei and Samsung together accounting for nearly two-thirds of global foldable smartphone shipments during the quarter.
Outlook: Apple Expected to Accelerate the Market Beginning in 2027
SAG forecasts global foldable smartphone shipments will reach approximately 27 million units in 2026, before further expanding in 2027, representing annual growth of roughly 38% YoY.
Samsung is expected to remain the full-year market leader in Q3 2026 and 2026 full year, while Apple’s anticipated entry into the foldable segment is expected to significantly expand consumer awareness, strengthen carrier support, and accelerate mainstream adoption beginning in Q4 2026.
“Despite a softer smartphone market, foldables continue to demonstrate strong structural growth. Huawei further strengthened its leadership in Q2 through a diversified premium portfolio, while Samsung delivered an impressive growth with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, proving that competitive pricing and strong channel promotions remain key growth drivers. Looking ahead, we expect Samsung to regain the market lead in Q3, while Apple’s entry into foldables will expand the addressable market and accelerate mainstream adoption from Q4 2026 onward.”, said Linda Sui, founder and principal of SAG.
Note: All shipment, market share, and year-over-year growth figures are preliminary estimates based on Smart Analytics Global (SAG)’s channel checks, supply chain research, vendor disclosures, and proprietary market modeling. Final figures may be revised as additional information becomes available.