Huawei Leads the Global Foldable Market in 1H26 with 57% Share, Followed by Samsung

The global foldable smartphone market is experiencing remarkable expansion, driven by innovative form factors and rising consumer demand. According to recent market analysis, Huawei maintains a dominant lead globally, while other major tech giants strive to capture market share in this rapidly evolving segment.

Market Dynamics and Shipment Projections

The Global foldable market continues to witness dynamic shifts in 1H26, with Huawei securing its leadership through cutting-edge device offerings. Industry insights indicate that worldwide shipments are on track to double, potentially hitting 36 million units by 2028 as consumer adoption accelerates.

Omdia recently published its comprehensive outlook regarding future sales performance and vendor standings for the first half of 2026. The data highlights that novel device designs are fundamentally reshaping consumer preferences and supercharging sales velocity across key regions.

This robust growth momentum is clearly visible throughout 1H26, enabling Huawei to maintain its strong command over the global foldable segment with a commanding 57% market share.

Meanwhile, Samsung captures the second position with an 18% market share. Together, these leading industry players account for roughly 75% of the entire worldwide folding ecosystem, largely propelled by the introduction of expansive, wide-format foldable displays.

Conversely, traditional flip-style folding smartphones are experiencing a downward trend quarter after quarter, as they struggle to fully satisfy evolving user expectations and productivity requirements.

Industry Analysis on Wide-Format Innovation

Zaker Li, Principal Analyst, Click here to view the Omdia Report noted:

"Huawei pioneered this new wide-format design with the Pura X Max in May 2026, followed by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 in August. With other leading vendors set to launch similar products in the coming months, this new category is driving a fresh wave of growth in the foldable smartphone market."

Following the market leaders, Honor has secured the third spot with 9% of the market share. Meanwhile, OPPO and Vivo maintain strong competitive footprints in the fourth and fifth positions, capturing 7% and 6% of the global share, respectively.

Looking ahead, Omdia predicts that global foldable device sales will surpass 22 million units by the close of this year. Furthermore, annual shipments could climb to an impressive 45 million units by 2030, marking a major milestone for the smartphone industry.

What is driving the growth of the foldable smartphone market in 1H26?

The rapid expansion is primarily fueled by innovative wide-format foldable designs introduced by major manufacturers, which have successfully captured consumer interest and boosted overall sales.

Which company currently leads the global foldable market?

Huawei holds the top position globally, commanding an impressive 57% market share during the first half of 2026.

What market share does Samsung hold in the foldable sector?

Samsung ranks second in the global foldable market, securing an 18% share.

How are flip-style foldables performing compared to book-style foldables?

While wide-format and book-style foldables are experiencing surging popularity, flip-type folding smartphones have seen a continuous drop in growth quarter over quarter.

What are the long-term shipment projections for foldable phones?

Industry forecasts estimate that foldable device shipments will double to reach 36 million units by 2028, and potentially climb to 45 million units by 2030.

🔎 As the technology matures and design innovations continue to improve user experience, the foldable market is well-positioned to transform the future landscape of mobile computing and consumer electronics.