Samsung faces pressure to innovate as Apple prepares to enter foldable market
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Samsung faces pressure to innovate as Apple prepares to enter foldable market

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(Update: )
South Korean multinational electronics corporation
American multinational technology company
  • Samsung is set to unveil its next-generation Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip devices at the Galaxy Unpacked event in London.
  • The company faces increased competition from Motorola and the upcoming entry of Apple into the foldable phone market.
  • To maintain its leadership, Samsung must innovate and enhance the user experience of its foldable devices.
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In July 2026, Samsung is preparing for its annual unveiling of new foldable phones, specifically the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip, at the Galaxy Unpacked event in London. The company, which has been a leader in the foldable phone market since launching the first Galaxy Fold in 2019, is facing increasing competition from Motorola and the anticipated entry of Apple into the foldable phone space. Recent data indicates that while foldable phone shipments in North America increased by 28% year-on-year in 2025, Samsung's market share has declined, with Motorola capturing a significant portion of the market due to its more affordable Razr model. This shift in consumer preference is compounded by a memory shortage, which has already led Samsung to raise prices on its devices. Analysts predict that Apple's upcoming foldable phone could capture a substantial share of the market, potentially absorbing 28% by the end of the year. To counter this threat, Samsung must leverage its experience and partnerships to enhance the user experience of its foldable devices, particularly the Galaxy Z Fold, which is seen as its flagship offering in this category. The success of Samsung's new devices will be crucial in maintaining its position as a leader in the foldable phone market amidst rising competition and changing consumer expectations.