Samsung Takes a Big Bet Ahead of Apple’s Foldable iPhone, Launches Passport-Style Galaxy Z Fold 8

Samsung has unveiled its new Galaxy Z Fold 8, a foldable smartphone featuring a passport-inspired design when folded. The company describes it as one of its boldest and most innovative foldable smartphones yet. With Apple widely expected to launch its first foldable iPhone soon, Samsung is aiming to strengthen its position in the premium smartphone market with this all-new form factor.

Introduced at a launch event in London, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a wider display than previous Fold models and starts at $1,900 (₹1,79,999 in India). Samsung also announced the Galaxy Z Flip 8 (starting at ₹1,24,999) and the premium Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (starting at ₹1,99,999).

Passport-Inspired Design Sets It Apart

Unlike conventional foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a 5.5-inch square cover display with a 10:16 aspect ratio, giving it the appearance of a passport when folded.

When unfolded, the device offers a 7.6-inch display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, designed to provide a better experience for reading, multitasking, web browsing, and watching videos. The wider screen also reduces black bars while streaming content.

The new design may feel different at first, and one-handed typing could take some getting used to. Samsung says it has worked closely with Google to optimize Android apps for the new display format.

New Technology and Powerful AI Features

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra feature Samsung’s new Flex Titanium technology, making the main display thinner, more durable, and less prone to visible creases.

Meanwhile, all three foldables, including the Galaxy Z Flip 8, come equipped with silicon-carbon batteries, offering higher energy density, faster charging, and improved battery life.

Samsung has also expanded its AI capabilities. The new foldables feature Galaxy AI and Google Gemini, bringing a range of intelligent AI-powered features and productivity tools.

All three smartphones are currently available for pre-order and will officially go on sale starting August 7.

Foldable Smartphone Market Continues to Expand

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), the global foldable smartphone market is expected to grow by 20% in 2026 and another 20% in 2027. Foldable smartphone shipments are projected to reach 24.4 million units this year and 29.3 million units by 2027.

Although foldables still account for less than 3% of the overall smartphone market, manufacturers continue to focus on the premium segment. IDC also expects the average selling price of foldable smartphones to rise to around $1,700.

Competition is also increasing, with companies such as Motorola, Google, Huawei, and Honor expanding their foldable portfolios. Earlier this year, Huawei introduced the Pura X Max, another foldable device featuring a similarly wide display.

Apple’s Foldable iPhone Could Reshape the Market

Apple has yet to launch its first foldable iPhone, but reports suggest the company could unveil the device later this year.

Analysts believe Apple’s entry could significantly boost the foldable smartphone segment. IDC estimates that Apple could capture 29% of the global foldable smartphone market in 2026 and 35% in 2027, putting it in direct competition with Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola.

Reports also suggest Apple’s first foldable iPhone may adopt a short and wide book-style design, similar to Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Will Samsung’s Bold Strategy Pay Off?

With smartphone prices rising due to increasing AI-driven chip demand and higher component costs, Samsung is betting that premium buyers will embrace its unique foldable design.

The company believes the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip 8 will further strengthen its leadership in the foldable smartphone market before Apple officially enters the category.

Alongside the new foldable smartphones, Samsung also introduced the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9. The company also offered a preview of its upcoming AI-powered smart glasses, developed in partnership with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. More details regarding pricing and availability are expected to be announced in the coming months.