Global cumulative shipments of foldable smartphones are expected to exceed 100 million units by the end of this year, eight years after the devices were first commercialized in 2019. Counterpoint Research said annual shipment growth will accelerate from 18% last year to 24% this year and 37% next year, with Apple's first foldable iPhone identified as the main catalyst. Apple will unveil the model on the 9th and is expected to ship 6 million units this year, giving it a 25% market share and placing it second behind Samsung Electronics at 38%. Counterpoint projects Apple will more than double shipments next year and reach a 40% share. Samsung is preparing its Galaxy Z9 series after record preorders for the Galaxy Z8 series this year. Huawei has gained early traction with the Pura X Max and plans to unveil the twice-folding Mate XT2, while Xiaomi is launching the Xiaomi 18 Fold with LPDDR 6 memory (low-power mobile memory), described as an industry first. Counterpoint said Apple's entry will intensify competition in the premium segment, while Samsung, Huawei and other manufacturers support growth through new designs and form factors.