Apple is widely expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026, often dubbed the iPhone Fold. The device is said to take design cues from Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup, though it may adopt a unique aspect ratio distinct from its rival’s offerings.
According to a new report from Korean outlet The Bell, Samsung views Apple’s entry into the foldable market as a major threat—not just to its Galaxy Z Fold models, but to its entire foldable smartphone business. In response, Samsung reportedly plans to make its 2026 foldable lineup, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8, more competitive to safeguard its dominant market share.
The company aims to increase combined sales of the two new models by 10% compared to their predecessors. Much of that growth will hinge on a redesigned Galaxy Z Flip 8, which Samsung hopes will attract a broader audience.
Samsung’s Strategic Response to Apple
The Bell reports that Samsung’s leadership began rethinking its foldable strategy in early 2024 after U.S. media revealed Apple’s foldable iPhone plans. Concerned executives pushed the mobile division to enhance the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 to better defend Samsung’s position.
While Apple’s debut could expand the overall foldable market, it also threatens Samsung’s lead in a way Chinese competitors have not. Samsung released its first foldable, the Galaxy Fold, in 2019. Since then, Chinese brands like Honor and Oppo have introduced innovations—such as thinner designs and larger cover screens—that Samsung has taken time to match.
What to Expect from the Galaxy Z Flip 8
Samsung already gave the Galaxy Z Fold 7 a major redesign this year, trimming weight and thickness substantially. The Fold 7 measures just 4.2 mm when unfolded and 8.9 mm when folded—roughly 25% thinner and 10% lighter than the previous model.
However, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 saw minimal physical changes, retaining its 188-gram weight and similar dimensions to the Flip 6. For 2026, Samsung aims to make the Galaxy Z Flip 8 at least 10% thinner and lighter. That goal would bring it down to about 169 grams, measuring 12.3 mm folded and 5.9 mm unfolded—changes that could give users a noticeably more refined feel.
The report suggests Samsung may pursue even greater reductions in weight and size to generate excitement comparable to that around the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s redesign. Whether these enhancements will affect battery capacity remains unclear, but the slimmer, lighter Flip appears essential to Samsung’s sales targets.
Looking Ahead
Samsung reportedly expects to sell around 6.7 million combined units of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 next year. The devices are likely to debut in July or August 2026, allowing Samsung to hit the market before Apple’s anticipated September unveiling of the iPhone Fold.
If Apple enters the foldable space with its characteristic polish, it could redefine consumer expectations and intensify one of the smartphone industry’s fiercest rivalries yet.
