Samsung and Apple gear up for foldable phone showdown

Samsung announced that it will unveil its next‑generation foldable smartphones at a London event on July 22. The lineup includes the Galaxy Z Fold8 series – a “passport‑style” Fold8 with a 5.4‑inch outer display and a wider internal screen – and the larger Fold8 Ultra with a book‑style design, S‑Pen support and a 5,000 mAh battery. A new Flip8 clamshell model is also slated for a July release.

Apple is reportedly accelerating development of its first foldable iPhone, rumored as the “iPhone Ultra,” with a planned September unveiling. Specs leaked suggest a 5.5‑inch external and 7.8‑inch internal display, dual 48 MP cameras, and a 5,800‑6,000 mAh battery. CEO Tim Cook said price increases for foldable devices are unavoidable due to rising AI‑chip costs.

Market analysts note Samsung currently holds about 40 % of the global foldable market, while Apple’s entry could capture roughly 28 % by 2026, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape.