Apple’s Foldable iPhone Could Challenge Samsung’s Foldables

ISLAMABAD: (News Desk) – Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market later this year, nearly seven years after Samsung launched its first Galaxy Fold. The company’s first foldable iPhone is widely expected to be marketed as the iPhone Ultra and could emerge as a direct rival to Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 series.

Apple’s powerful brand loyalty and large global user base could make its debut foldable a major competitor. However, the device may not immediately pose a serious threat to Samsung’s sales because of its expected limited availability and significantly higher price.

Limited launch may benefit Samsung

Reports indicate that Apple could unveil its first foldable iPhone on September 8, 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

However, availability may vary from market to market. The iPhone Ultra is reportedly expected to launch initially in the United States before gradually reaching other major markets, including China.

Several countries, including Australia, may not receive the device during its initial rollout. If these reports are accurate, customers in some international markets seeking a premium foldable phone during the 2026 holiday season could continue choosing Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold models or competing devices.

This limited availability could allow Samsung to maintain its position in markets where Apple’s foldable phone is not yet offered.

High price could limit Apple’s reach

Pricing is another factor that could make it difficult for Apple to immediately challenge Samsung.

According to reports, Apple’s foldable iPhone could cost up to AU$700 more than the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The Samsung model is reportedly expected to carry a price of around AU$2,999, while Apple’s device could be priced near AU$3,699.

Such a substantial price difference could put the iPhone Ultra out of reach for many consumers interested in foldable smartphones.

Apple’s strong brand appeal could nevertheless persuade loyal iPhone users to pay a premium, especially those who have been waiting for the company to introduce a foldable device. At the same time, budget-conscious buyers may prefer Samsung’s alternatives.

Samsung has years of foldable experience

Samsung has enjoyed a significant head start in the foldable smartphone segment, spending years improving its technology and developing a wider foldable ecosystem.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 series is expected to benefit from Samsung’s established market presence, broader availability and potentially lower price compared with Apple’s first-generation foldable.

Apple’s entry is likely to intensify competition and encourage further innovation in the foldable smartphone industry. However, the combination of a restricted initial rollout and a premium price could prevent the iPhone Ultra from immediately causing a major decline in Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales.

In the longer term, however, Apple could become a much stronger challenger to Samsung if its foldable iPhone succeeds in persuading existing iPhone users to embrace the foldable form factor.