Samsung Targets iPhone Users as Apple Unveils Foldable
| iOS Switch Rate | 1.6 times higher for Galaxy Z Fold8 series compared to previous generation |
|---|---|
| US Brand Switchers | 30% of Galaxy Z Flip8 buyers switched from competitor brands |
| Market Share Outlook | Counterpoint projects Samsung at 32% and Apple at 25% globally |
Samsung Electronics is seeking to convert more iPhone owners to its foldable device line as Apple officially enters the foldable smartphone market. The strategic effort comes as consumer interest in foldable hardware expands globally.
A spokesperson for Samsung Electronics stated that global iOS users switching to the company’s Galaxy Z Fold8 series, which launched in July, reached 1.6 times the proportion recorded for the prior Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 generation. Samsung launched the industry’s first commercial foldable phone, the original Galaxy Fold, in 2019.
US Consumer Trends and Device Preferences
In the United States market, Samsung reported that 30 percent of buyers purchasing the Galaxy Z Flip8 transitioned from competing smartphone brands. The company noted that a majority of those customers were buying a foldable phone for the first time.
According to Samsung, buyers of the standard Galaxy Z Fold8 were primarily drawn to its lightweight, thin form factor and the inner display’s capabilities for viewing content and multitasking. Customers who selected the higher-tier Fold8 Ultra favored its larger screen area, which reduced the need to carry a separate tablet device.
To make switching between ecosystems easier, Samsung updated its Smart Switch system. iPhone users can now migrate their data wirelessly to a Galaxy device by scanning a QR code, without needing to download the Smart Switch application onto their iPhone.
Shifting Market Dynamics
The push by Samsung coincides with Apple presenting its first foldable iPhone at a product launch event on Wednesday. The release represents one of the first major hardware introductions led by Apple’s new Chief Executive Officer, John Ternus.
Industry data published by Counterpoint Research in July projects that Samsung will remain the leader in the global foldable smartphone market this year with a 32 percent market share. However, Apple is expected to quickly capture a 25 percent share upon its market entry, while Huawei continues to hold a prominent position in China.
Background
Foldable smartphones feature flexible screens that allow devices to fold shut for portability or unfold into wider displays. Samsung introduced the product category in 2019 with its first Galaxy Fold, while rival Apple remained out of the segment until its recent product event.
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