Samsung Electronics is accelerating efforts to win over iPhone users following Apple's launch of its first foldable iPhone. As more iPhone users move to Galaxy foldables, Samsung is also simplifying data-transfer steps as it prepares for head-to-head competition with Apple.

Samsung said the share of iOS users switching with the Galaxy Z Fold8 series launched in July rose 1.6 times from the previous Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 models, CNBC reported on Wednesday.

Samsung said about 30 percent of Galaxy Z Flip8 buyers in the United States switched from other smartphone brands. Many of them were buying a foldable phone for the first time. Samsung said a thin and light design, multitasking and content viewing on a large screen were key factors in choosing a foldable phone.

The top-end Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra highlighted a wide screen and workspace as strengths. It stressed that users can handle document work and multitasking without a separate tablet, aiming to draw demand between conventional smartphones and tablets into foldables.

Samsung is also taking steps to lower barriers for iPhone users to switch. It recently upgraded its Smart Switch feature so iPhone users can transfer data wirelessly to a Galaxy device by scanning a QR code without installing a separate app. The change simplifies steps for moving photos, contacts and other data that had been a burden when switching from an iPhone to a Galaxy.

Samsung's push to target iPhone users comes as Apple enters the foldable phone market. Apple unveiled its first foldable iPhone on Wednesday, moving into full-scale competition with Samsung. Samsung, which launched the Galaxy Fold in 2019 and pioneered the foldable phone market, is seeking to keep market leadership by leveraging a first-mover advantage and product experience.

Samsung is expected to remain the market leader for the time being. Counterpoint Research projected Samsung's share of the global foldable smartphone market at 32 percent this year. It also forecast Apple would secure a 25 percent share in its first year in the market, raising the likelihood that competition between the two will intensify quickly.

Huawei is also a factor in China. As Samsung and Apple compete for leadership in foldables globally, Huawei maintains strong influence in China.

With Apple's entry expected to increase consumer interest in foldables, Samsung's task is to defend its current lead while also capturing switching demand from iPhone users. How many first-time foldable buyers and existing iPhone users the company secures is expected to shape the future competitive landscape between the two.