Samsung is projecting a significant sales surge in 2026, fueled by strong demand for its flagship smartphones and an ambitious expansion into foldable devices. According to the Korean news outlet Maeil Business News (via 9to5Google), Samsung aims to sell a whopping 35 million units of its Galaxy S26 flagship phone during the year, with 24 million sold in the first six months alone. This ambitious target dwarfs their estimated sales of 22 million Galaxy S25 phones in the same period this year.
The company is also betting heavily on foldable devices, planning to sell five million units of its Galaxy Fold and Flip models by July 2026. This aggressive push into the nascent foldable market suggests Samsung sees significant growth potential in this premium segment.
Overall, Samsung’s mobile division anticipates generating $90.7 billion in sales next year – a substantial increase compared to recent years. This robust projection is partly driven by the success of its Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 models, which outperformed expectations due in part to advanced AI capabilities built into both devices.
While Samsung’s arch-rival Apple also enjoyed a successful year, it often lags behind when it comes to incorporating artificial intelligence features into its iPhones. This gap may be further widening with Samsung highlighting “next-gen AI” as a key feature for the Galaxy S26 phones slated for release in January 2026. The new lineup is expected to boast improved camera sensors and a novel chipset alongside these AI enhancements.
Interestingly, Samsung has remained relatively quiet about its Galaxy S25 Edge model, which features an ultra-thin design but appears to be facing weaker sales. This suggests Samsung may need to reconsider its strategy for this particular device if it wants to keep pace with its ambitious overall sales targets.
The company’s focus on AI and foldables signals a clear strategic direction for Samsung in the increasingly competitive smartphone market. These innovations, combined with their established brand strength, could propel them toward further success in the coming years.
