Samsung says its newest foldables are selling much faster than last year’s model in Europe. Apple’s first foldable may be part of the reason.

In a new announcement , Samsung said the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra together saw sales rise 45% across Europe in the nine weeks after their August 7 launch. That compares with Galaxy Z Fold7 sales over the same stretch a year ago.

If you’re thinking about a foldable, the numbers suggest more people are too. They point to foldables moving from a niche pick toward something more shoppers consider.

Could Apple be helping?

Samsung’s announcement doesn’t mention Apple. It does say Google searches for Samsung foldables rose more than 260% across Europe in September. Searches peaked at 460% during the week of September 6 to 12. Coincidentally enough, that was the same week Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo.

Samsung has made a similar case before. 9to5Google relayed comments from a Samsung UK executive earlier this month.…