Global foldable phone shipments hit a record high in Q3: Samsung ranked first! Huawei saw a 10% increase.

According to a report titled “Foldable Smartphone Market Tracker” released by Counterpoint Research on December 3, global shipments of foldable smartphones are projected to increase by 14% year-on-year in Q3 2025, setting a new record for quarterly shipments in this category.

Foldable screens accounted for 2.5% of global smartphone shipments, and the market is expected to see a breakthrough expansion in 2026.

Overall, the large folding form factor is the core driver of market growth. The launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and the continued efforts of the Huawei Mate series have jointly propelled the market share of this category to rise.

Looking at specific brands:

Samsung was the biggest winner this quarter, with its Galaxy Z7 series (especially the Z Fold7) expanding its high-end audience with its thinner and lighter body, more durable hinge, and lower crease visibility, driving a 32% year-on-year increase in foldable screen shipments.

Meanwhile, Samsung also recently launched the Galaxy Z TriFold tri-folding model, conducting a technology pilot program with limited shipments to solidify its technological leadership.

Huawei’s Mate series foldable screens maintained steady momentum, with shipments increasing by 10% year-on-year, continuing to occupy a place in the high-end market.

Motorola achieved a 16% year-on-year increase in shipments, thanks to its advantages in high cost-performance and product experience.

vivo emerged as a dark horse, with a year-on-year growth rate of 67%, and its refreshed foldable screen product line contributed significantly to the increase.

Honor and Xiaomi shipments declined by 31% and 54% year-on-year, respectively, while shipments of other brands also plummeted by 39% year-on-year.

Counterpoint predicts that the opportunity for foldable screens to take off in 2026 will come from two aspects: hardware upgrades, further optimization of device durability and thinness, and continuous improvement of hinge and screen structure.

On the other hand, AI-driven software experiences will continue to be enriched, and Apple plans to enter the foldable screen market in the second half of 2026. Its huge iPhone user base will drive high-end replacement demand in core areas, propelling the market into a phase of significant expansion.