Apple Challenges Samsung's 8th Generation with First Foldable iPhone Unveiling on the 9th
Apple is set to challenge the foldable market dominated by Samsung Electronics with the unveiling of its first foldable iPhone on the 9th. This launch marks the first major product release under new CEO John Ternus, a hardware expert, following the first change in leadership in 15 years. The unveiling event takes place at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. It is widely anticipated that Apple will reveal the foldable iPhone—dubbed the 'iPhone Ultra' or 'iPhone Fold'—alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series.
The first foldable phone is likely to adopt a book-style form factor that unfolds horizontally. Reports suggest the external display will measure approximately 5.3 to 5.5 inches, while the internal display will range from 7.6 to 7.8 inches. The device is said to be about 4.5mm thick when unfolded and 9.5mm when folded. It is understood that new hinge and display structures have been applied to minimize screen creasing, with the price expected to be in the $2,000–$2,500 range in the U.S.
In response, Samsung Electronics is banking on eight generations of technological accumulation. Since the first Galaxy Fold in 2019, the company has spent seven years refining hinges, durability, and screen creases while reducing thickness and weight. It has also built upon the foldable user experience by combining large-screen multitasking with Galaxy AI.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 features a 5.5-inch cover screen and a 7.6-inch main screen, with a thickness of 4.5mm when unfolded and 9.7mm when folded—levels comparable to the first foldable iPhone. Pricing starts at 2,278,100 won for the Fold8, 2,577,300 won for the premium Fold8 Ultra, and 1,683,000 won for the Galaxy Z Flip8. As Apple also targets the ultra-premium market with its debut device, the two companies' products are set to compete directly in the premium foldable sector.
Following the Galaxy Unpacked event in London, UK, last July, Noh Tae-moon, President and Head of Samsung Electronics’ DX Division, stated, 'Foldables have entered a period of maturity, both in terms of technology and the market.' He emphasized, 'Market entry by many companies signifies that foldables have become a mainstream trend. The technological prowess and understanding of customers accumulated over seven years constitute a competitive edge that cannot be caught overnight.'
Counterpoint Research forecasts that global foldable phone shipments will increase by 21% this year compared to the previous year. The research firm predicts Samsung Electronics will maintain the top spot with a 32% share, while Apple is expected to take second place with a 25% share in its first year. IDC projects that worldwide foldable phone shipments will exceed 17 million units by 2027. The competition between Samsung Electronics, with its accumulated 8th-generation technology, and Apple, leveraging its brand and ecosystem, begins on the 9th (local time) at Apple Park in Cupertino.
