Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the competitive landscape of the foldable smartphone market in Europe, highlighting the entry of Chinese manufacturers like Honor and OnePlus, which are challenging Samsung's dominance as Apple prepares to enter the market [3][4][5]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Honor has officially launched the Magic V5 overseas in London, positioning foldable smartphones as a key strategic focus for its international expansion [3]. - According to Counterpoint, the European foldable smartphone market is expected to grow by 37% year-on-year in 2024, with increased competition from Chinese brands leading to a significant decline in Samsung's market share [3][9]. - Samsung's market share in the European book-style foldable smartphone segment has dropped from 98% to 73% by the end of 2023, and is projected to fall to 50% in 2024 due to the rise of competitors like Honor [9]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Honor's market share in the foldable smartphone category has increased from less than 10% in 2023 to 34% by the end of the year, indicating a strong competitive presence in Europe [9]. - The overall smartphone market in Europe is shifting towards a more open market, reducing reliance on carrier subsidies, which benefits Chinese manufacturers [9][10]. - The European market for high-end smartphones priced above $700 has seen a sales increase of over 70% in the past year, with a doubling of sales in the first half of this year [10]. Group 3: Supply Chain and Technology - The domestic supply chain for foldable smartphones in China has matured, covering key components such as screens, hinges, and materials, with companies like BOE and Lens Technology leading in their respective areas [12]. - China has become the largest market for foldable smartphones globally, with shipments expected to reach 4.98 million units in the first half of 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of 12.6% [12]. - Future foldable smartphones are anticipated to enhance human-computer interaction and improve work efficiency, with a focus on personalized multi-screen experiences [13].

Core Insights - Chinese smartphone manufacturers are intensifying competition against Samsung in the European foldable smartphone market, particularly with the launch of Honor's Magic V5 overseas version [2][4] - Counterpoint's data indicates a projected 37% year-on-year growth in the European foldable smartphone market in 2024, with Samsung's market share declining by 23% due to competition from Chinese brands like Honor and OnePlus [2][7] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Samsung's market share in the European book-style foldable smartphone segment has dropped from 98% to 73% by the end of 2023, and is expected to fall to 50% in 2024, with Honor's share increasing from under 10% to 34% [7][8] - The overall terminal scale in the European market is estimated to be between 130 million to 140 million units, with high-end smartphone sales (priced above $700) doubling in the first half of the year [8] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Apple is expected to enter the foldable smartphone market, with production of a foldable iPhone anticipated to begin in late Q3 or early Q4 of this year, potentially impacting market dynamics further [3][4] - The competition in the European market is expected to intensify as Samsung prepares to launch the Galaxy Z Fold7, aiming to regain its competitive edge [8] Group 3: Supply Chain and Technology - The domestic supply chain for foldable screens in China is maturing, with key players in various segments such as screens, hinges, and materials, contributing to a robust supply ecosystem [9] - IDC forecasts that China will surpass other markets to become the largest foldable smartphone market globally, with shipments expected to reach 4.98 million units in the first half of 2025, marking a 12.6% year-on-year growth [9][10] Group 4: Future Outlook - The next generation of foldable smartphones is anticipated to focus on high performance and enhanced human-computer interaction, with an emphasis on improving work efficiency and user experience [10]