Samsung Electronics Co. reinforced its leadership in the global foldable smartphone market during the third quarter, according to industry data released on Saturday.

A report from Counterpoint Research showed that Samsung claimed 64 per cent of worldwide foldable phone shipments from July to September, which represents an increase of 8 percentage points compared to the same period last year.

The data also indicated that the company widened its lead over Huawei Technologies Co. in China. Huawei maintained a 15 per cent market share, the same level reported one year earlier.

Motorola Mobility LLC placed third with a 7 per cent share. It was followed by Honor Device Co. of China at 4 per cent, Vivo Mobile Communications Co. at 4 per cent, and Xiaomi Corp. at 2 per cent.

The report noted that global foldable smartphone shipments rose 14 per cent year-on- year and reached their highest quarterly level to date, supported by the strong performance of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 line-up.

Foldable models made up 2.5 per cent of all smartphones shipped during the third quarter.

Counterpoint Research added that the foldable market is likely to expand quickly next year due to ongoing technological improvements and rising demand for premium devices. Growth prospects may further increase with the possibility of Apple Inc. introducing its own foldable phone.

Industry reports have suggested that Apple is developing a foldable device that could arrive as early as 2026.