the iPhone Fold, the device will resemble Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, although it may have a different aspect ratio. A recent article from the Korean outlet The Bell indicates that Samsung perceives the iPhone Fold as a danger to its entire foldable smartphone sector, not solely the Galaxy Z Fold lineup. Consequently, Samsung aims for its 2026 foldable phones to be more competitive, ensuring the forthcoming iPhone Fold does not jeopardize its leading market share. Per the report, Samsung intends to sell 10% more combined units of Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 compared to their earlier versions. To achieve this, the company is concentrating on the Galaxy Z Flip model, with plans for a significant redesign of the clamshell phone.
The report mentions that Samsung’s ambition to boost Galaxy Z Flip 8 sales is a direct reaction to Apple launching its first foldable phone next year. The Bell states that Apple’s intentions to unveil a foldable iPhone came to the attention of senior Samsung executives in early 2024 through reports from U.S. media, raising concerns. A high-ranking executive allegedly instructed Samsung’s mobile division to enhance the competitiveness of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 models. Apple’s venture into the foldable arena could broaden the market, but it might also endanger Samsung’s standing in ways that Chinese competitors could not.
Samsung introduced its inaugural foldable phone in 2019, a Fold-type device. Since then, Chinese smartphone manufacturers have released various innovations in this domain that Samsung was slow to adopt. Honor produced ultra-thin Fold-type foldables for years before Samsung matched that dimension. Oppo unveiled a larger cover screen on a clamshell phone ahead of the Galaxy Z Flip’s introduction of one.
