Key Points
Samsung launched Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra at $2,099, Z Fold 8 at $1,899, and Z Flip 8 at $1,199 on July 22.
The Z Fold 8's passport design mirrors Apple's expected iPhone Ultra, which analysts forecast at $1,999–$2,499 for September debut.
Memory chip shortages drove 12–17% price increases across Samsung's foldable lineup due to AI server demand.
Apple's entry could capture 25% of the global foldable market, threatening Samsung's current 40% share and Huawei's 30%.
Samsung Electronics launched a redesigned foldable lineup on July 22, directly challenging Apple’s expected entry into the market. The new Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a wider, passport-shaped 4:3 display identical to leaked iPhone Ultra dimensions, while prices jumped $100 across the range due to surging memory chip costs. Apple’s foldable iPhone, rumored for September 2026 at $2,000–$2,500, could capture 25% of the foldable market once released.
Samsung’s Three-Model Strategy Targets Apple’s Launch
Samsung expanded its foldable lineup from two to three models at the July 22 Galaxy Unpacked event in London. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra costs $2,099, the standard Z Fold 8 starts at $1,899, and the Galaxy Z Flip 8 begins at $1,199. Each model rose $100 in price from its predecessor, driven by memory semiconductor shortages tied to AI server demand. Samsung’s CEO Roh Tae-moon stated the lineup represents “our most refined foldable lineup yet” and will “usher in the next era of intelligence.”
The Passport Form Factor Mirrors Apple’s Design
The new Galaxy Z Fold 8 adopts a wider, shorter “passport” shape with a 4:3 aspect ratio, matching leaked specifications of Apple’s unreleased iPhone Ultra. When folded, the Z Fold 8 measures 5.35 inches; unfolded, 7.58 inches. The 7.6-inch internal display eliminates black-bar letterboxing during video playback, making it feel closer to a tablet. Samsung’s redesign appears deliberate, positioning the mid-range Fold 8 directly against Apple’s expected premium foldable.
Apple’s September Launch Could Reshape the Market
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone in September 2026 at prices between $1,999 and $2,499, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. Mass production began in late July at Foxconn facilities. Analysts believe Apple could capture 25% of the global foldable market once launched, compared to Samsung’s current 40% share and Huawei’s 30%. The new CEO John Ternus will lead the presentation starting September 1.
Memory Chip Costs Drive Price Increases Across the Industry
Memory semiconductor prices surged 12–17% year-over-year, forcing Samsung to raise foldable prices. The Z Fold 8 Ultra saw a 12% increase, while the Z Flip 8 jumped 17%. Counterpoint Research estimates global smartphone average selling prices could rise 6.9% in 2026 due to rising component costs. This “chipflation” affects all premium device makers, including Apple, which faces similar pressure ahead of its iPhone launch.
Final Thoughts
Samsung’s redesigned Z Fold 8 lineup and price increases signal intense competition ahead of Apple’s September foldable debut. With Meyka grading Apple a B+ and forecasting $351 in three years, investors should watch September’s iPhone Ultra launch and Q3 earnings (July 30) for guidance on demand and margins in the premium segment.
FAQs
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, likely called the iPhone Ultra, in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Shelf availability may slip to October due to hinge quality control requirements.
Analysts expect Apple’s first foldable iPhone to start between $1,999 and $2,499, positioning it above Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 at $1,899 but comparable to the Z Fold 8 Ultra at $2,099.
Memory semiconductor prices surged due to AI server demand, forcing Samsung to raise prices $100–$200 per model. The Z Fold 8 Ultra rose 12%, while the Z Flip 8 jumped 17% from prior generations.
The Z Fold 8 features a wider, passport-shaped 4:3 aspect ratio with a 7.6-inch internal display, designed for video and gaming. Its dimensions match leaked iPhone Ultra specs, suggesting Samsung is directly competing with Apple’s expected design.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
About Author
Huzaifa Zahoor
Co FounderHuzaifa Zahoor is the engineer who built Meyka. He has spent years writing Python, training AI models, and building data pipelines specifically for financial markets. His technical articles have reached over 30,000 readers on Medium, so he knows how to make complex things easy to follow. If this article touches on how the tools work, he is the person who actually built them.
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