Apple’s launch of the $1,999 iPhone Duo has intensified pressure on Samsung ahead of the expected debut of its next flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 9.. The iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, was unveiled on Sept. 9 and is scheduled for release on Oct.
23.. Samsung has already started a publicity campaign stressing its hardware edge and its earlier entry into foldable phones, Reuters reported.. CNBC reported that the global share of iOS users switching to Samsung’s Fold 8 series was 1.6 times that of the previous generation.
In the United States, 30% of Galaxy Z Flip 8 buyers came from competing brands, CNBC said.. TrendForce estimates Samsung will ship about 7.1 million foldable devices in 2026, giving it a 35.1% market share. The research firm projects Apple will ship about 5 million iPhone Duo units and take 24.8% of the foldable market before year-end..
The iPhone Duo has also started to influence software expectations in the foldable segment. Notebookcheck reported that the phone’s folding and unfolding transition animation, which uses a blur effect, has drawn attention from Chinese foldable phone makers that are studying how to replicate it..
Samsung users are looking for the Fold 9 to restore features dropped from the Fold 8, including Flex Mode, and to improve cameras, battery life and crease visibility.. SamMobile said many of the Fold 9’s hardware decisions were likely set before Apple announced the iPhone Duo. SamMobile added that Samsung may reserve more extensive changes for the Fold 10, which would mark a decade of Galaxy foldables..
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