Apple’s iPhone Duo enters the foldable market at ₹2,99,900. Here’s how it compares with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and its established lead.
Apple has entered the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Duo. The company unveiled the device on September 9 under CEO John Ternus.
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 globally. In India, the 256GB model starts at ₹2,99,900, making it a premium foldable.
The launch puts Apple directly against Samsung. The Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at ₹1,79,999 in India for the 256GB model.
Apple finally enters the foldable race
The iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold8 battle is about more than price. Apple is entering a category Samsung has developed for several generations.
The iPhone Duo uses a passport-style design. It opens into a 7.6-inch folding display and has a 5.4-inch outer screen.
Apple has used a titanium frame and hinge cover. The device also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
The phone runs on Apple’s A20 Pro chip. It also brings iOS 27 features designed around the foldable format.
Galaxy Z Fold8 has a head start
Samsung has been selling foldable phones since 2019. The Galaxy Z Fold8 represents the company’s eighth-generation Fold line.
The Fold8 weighs 201 grams. Samsung says it is the lightest Fold model it has made.
The device has a wider cover screen and a 4:3 inner display. Samsung has also focused on reducing the visible crease.
The Fold8 uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. It also features dual 50MP rear cameras.
Apple is betting on its ecosystem
Apple’s biggest advantage may not be hardware alone. The company can use its large iPhone user base to push foldables.
The Duo supports Apple Pencil and split-screen multitasking. Apple has also redesigned iOS 27 for different folded and unfolded positions.
Apple is also highlighting privacy and on-device AI. Siri AI and Apple Intelligence are central parts of that strategy.
Also Read: Check the latest technology updates and smartphone launches on LokBharatNews.
Samsung still has major advantages
Samsung has already built a mature foldable ecosystem. It also has years of experience with hinges, displays and foldable software.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 is available in India at a lower starting price. Its 256GB model costs ₹1,79,999.
Samsung also offers 512GB and 1TB storage options. The 1TB version comes with 16GB of RAM.
The company has reported strong early demand for its latest foldable range. Samsung said its new foldables crossed 271,000 pre-orders in India within 72 hours.
The price gap could shape the battle
Apple is asking buyers to pay a significant premium for its first foldable. The Indian starting price is ₹2,99,900.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 begins at ₹1,79,999. That creates a ₹1.2 lakh difference between the two base models.
Apple will therefore need to justify the premium through design, software and ecosystem integration. Its brand loyalty could become an important factor.
Can Apple change the foldable market?
Analysts expect Apple’s arrival to accelerate the foldable category. Reuters reported that IDC expects Apple could gain a substantial share of the market.
Samsung currently has a major installed base and years of foldable experience. Apple, however, has repeatedly entered established categories and expanded their mainstream appeal.
The iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold8 contest could therefore influence the next phase of foldable phones.
Apple’s first foldable will be available from October 23. Pre-orders in India begin October 16 at 5:30 PM IST.
For Samsung, the challenge is different. It must convince buyers that experience and value still matter as Apple enters the segment.
The foldable market remains small compared with conventional smartphones. Apple’s arrival could make the category more competitive and more visible to mainstream buyers.
“iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold8 “