Updated

Updated · SamMobile - Samsung news · Jul 22

Samsung Targets Galaxy AI on 800 Million Devices by End-2026, Quadrupling 2024 Goal

Updated

Updated · SamMobile - Samsung news · Jul 22

Samsung Targets Galaxy AI on 800 Million Devices by End-2026, Quadrupling 2024 Goal

Q: Can Samsung's new foldables defend their market lead against Apple's rumored iPhone Fold?

Yes—but only partially. Samsung’s new foldables give it the best chance to hold the lead in 2026, but Apple’s rumored iPhone Fold is likely to narrow that lead quickly rather than leave Samsung untouched. Samsung enters this fight with clear advantages: scale, experience and timing. It has been refining foldables for years, and the new Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 show that. The Fold 8 is lighter at 201 grams, has a larger 4,800 mAh battery, brighter displays, stronger materials and a wider design aimed at mainstream use, not just early adopters. Samsung is also pairing the hardware with Galaxy AI, which it says will reach 800 million devices by year-end, giving it a broad software ecosystem and cross-device reach that Apple will not have on day one in foldables. That said, Apple remains the biggest threat Samsung has faced in this category. Reports suggest the iPhone Fold could arrive in the second half of 2026 with a near-crease-free display, premium build and strong battery life—precisely the areas where foldables still face consumer skepticism. Apple’s brand loyalty and ecosystem could bring many buyers into foldables for the first time. Market forecasts reflect that risk. Samsung is still expected to lead foldables in 2026, with estimates around 32% share, but Apple could capture roughly a quarter of the market soon after launch. So Samsung’s new devices can defend its lead in the near term, but probably not its dominance.

3 articles · Updated · SamMobile - Samsung news · Jul 22

800 million devices is Samsung’s new year-end 2026 target for Galaxy AI, announced by mobile chief TM Roh at the London Unpacked event.
That would mark a fourfold jump from the company’s 200 million-device projection for the end of 2024, reflecting how AI features have spread across more of Samsung’s lineup.
Samsung said Galaxy AI is no longer limited to flagship phones, with mid-range devices now adding capabilities that help the company scale its installed base faster.
The forecast came alongside the unveiling of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8, underscoring AI as a central selling point across new hardware.