Samsung and Apple are expected to compete in the premium foldable smartphone segment for the first time in 2026. As Samsung is set to launch Galaxy Z Fold 8 at its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked, Apple is also rumored to launch its first-ever foldable iPhone, known as iPhone Ultra among industry observers, this year. Although the exact specifications have not yet been confirmed by either company, rumors and supply chain insiders give us a sneak peek at this 2026 rivalry.
There are rumors that Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 will offer a lightweight design, a reduced screen fold line, and Qualcomm's newest chip. However, Apple is also considering entering the foldable smartphone category with its own product designed like a book and with almost no screen crease.
Even though Apple is rumored to be working on its first foldable device, there are expectations that it will emphasize durability and long battery life.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Rumoured) | Foldable iPhone Ultra (Rumoured) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Around 7.6-8.0-inch foldable AMOLED | Around 7.8-inch foldable OLED |
| Cover Display | Around 5.4-6.5 inches | Around 5.5 inches |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Apple A20 Pro |
| Cameras | Up to 200MP main camera (expected) | Dual 48MP rear cameras |
| Battery | Around 4,800-5,000mAh | Around 5,500-5,800mAh |
| Software | One UI 9 (Android) | iOS 27 |
| Starting Price | Around $1,999 | Expected above $1,999 |
Samsung enters the race with plenty of experience with foldable phones in terms of software. Multitasking, split-screen functionality, support for S Pen (where applicable), and Galaxy AI have developed through many iterations. According to industry reports, Samsung is trying to focus on weight and user experience improvements rather than hardware modifications.
Apple's greatest advantage may be in the form of an ecosystem. According to reports from the industry, Apple's efforts are geared toward the development of a virtually crease-less screen, high-end construction, and multitasking in iOS. If all of that comes true, the foldable iPhone will become an attractive product for the existing users of the ecosystem.
Samsung has been hinting about an exciting new launch with a series of creatively cryptic teasers. The sneaky teasers began appearing on Samsung's Instagram page, where the brand shared short videos that debuted a ‘new shape’. Notably shorter than Samsung's typical tall, slim smartphone design, the dinkier size is a "cut to what matters" according to one of the teasers – a new style that "feels just right". From slicing pizza to breaking chocolate, the videos are an ultra-satisfying ASMR treat.
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At this point, the comparison would be speculative, as neither Samsung nor Apple has released any detailed specs for these phones. It seems that Samsung is going to improve its foldable technology, whereas Apple’s first foldable phone would focus more on design, ecosystems, and displays. The race will actually begin once both companies release their phones and customers can compare them firsthand.