Samsung Fold8 Sales Up 10% After iPhone Duo Reveal

The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable smartphone, marking the company’s entry into the foldable device category that Samsung has pioneered. Manufactured by Apple, the iPhone Duo features a passport-like form factor similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8. The device addresses the demand for larger screen experiences in a portable form, but it carries a significant price premium over competing foldables.

According to Lowyat.NET’s report (source URL: https://www.lowyat.net/2026/404679/samsung-10-fold8-sales-after-iphone-duo/), the iPhone Duo’s reveal paradoxically boosted Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 sales in South Korea by approximately 10% compared to the week before Apple’s announcement. The sales increase was attributed to the iPhone Duo’s higher price, delayed availability, and bulkier physical dimensions relative to the Galaxy Z Fold8. The report, sourced from The Chosun, cited local telecommunications industry insiders analyzing the competitive dynamics between the two foldable flagships.

Key Facts

The following table consolidates the verified specifications, pricing, and availability data for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Apple iPhone Duo as reported by Lowyat.NET and The Chosun.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 saw a 10% increase in South Korean sales in the week following the iPhone Duo’s reveal, driven by a roughly RM2,940 price advantage and immediate availability.

Attribute Value

256GB iPhone Duo price (Malaysia) RM9,499

2TB iPhone Duo price (Malaysia) RM15,499

Price difference (256GB models, South Korea) Over KRW 1 million (~RM2,940) more for iPhone Duo

2TB iPhone Duo price (South Korea) KRW 5.09 million (~RM14,962) — first phone in South Korea over KRW 5 million

Galaxy Z Fold8 launch price (12GB RAM, 256GB storage) RM7,299

iPhone Duo availability Starting 23 October

Galaxy Z Fold8 availability Immediately available

Galaxy Z Fold8 thickness (unfolded) 9.7mm

iPhone Duo thickness 11.3mm

Galaxy Z Fold8 weight 201g

iPhone Duo weight 254g

Projected iPhone Duo shipments Up to 6 million units

Projected iPhone Duo market share Approximately 25%

Projected Samsung market share 38%

How Did the iPhone Duo Reveal Boost Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Sales?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 sales in South Korea increased by approximately 10% in the week following Apple’s iPhone Duo announcement, compared to the week before the device was revealed. The Chosun, citing local telecommunications industry sources, reported the sales uptick. Factors driving this increase included price, availability timing, and device dimensions.

The report identified several contributing factors. The iPhone Duo carries a significant price premium over the Galaxy Z Fold8 — over KRW 1 million (~RM2,940) more for equivalent 256GB storage. The Galaxy Z Fold8 was immediately available, while the iPhone Duo would not ship until 23 October. Finally, the Galaxy Z Fold8 is both thinner and lighter than the iPhone Duo.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 achieved a 10% week-over-week sales increase in South Korea immediately following the iPhone Duo’s announcement, according to The Chosun’s telecommunications industry sources.

How Does the iPhone Duo Compare to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The iPhone Duo carries a significant price premium over the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8. For 256GB storage models, Apple’s foldable costs over KRW 1 million (~RM2,940) more than Samsung’s device. In Malaysia, the 256GB iPhone Duo is priced at RM9,499, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage launched at RM7,299.

The physical comparison also favors Samsung. The Galaxy Z Fold8 measures 9.7mm thick when unfolded and weighs 201g. The iPhone Duo, by contrast, measures 11.3mm thick and weighs 254g — a substantial difference of 1.6mm and 53g. The iPhone Duo also offers a 2TB storage tier at KRW 5.09 million (~RM14,962) in South Korea and RM15,499 in Malaysia, which the Galaxy Z Fold8 does not offer.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is 1.6mm thinner and 53g lighter than the iPhone Duo, with a launch price RM2,200 lower for equivalent 256GB storage in Malaysia.

Why Are Korean Buyers Choosing Samsung Over Apple?

Korean buyers shifted toward Samsung for several reasons. The iPhone Duo’s high price, including a 2TB model costing KRW 5.09 million (~RM14,962), deterred some consumers. The Galaxy Z Fold8 was immediately available, while the iPhone Duo would not ship until 23 October. Additionally, the Galaxy Z Fold8 is thinner and lighter than the iPhone Duo.

Industry insiders cited by The Chosun noted that Apple’s hardware limitations are compensated through software design. One insider commented:

“The iPhone Duo’s feature of one screen dimming when opened, creating a sophisticated effect, is a classic ‘Apple-style design’ that compensates for hardware limitations with software. The hardware gap between Apple, which is releasing its first foldable, and Samsung, which has pioneered the market with multiple foldable models, is unsurprising.” — Industry insider, as quoted by The Chosun

Korean consumers shifted to Samsung due to the iPhone Duo’s higher price, delayed availability until 23 October, and the Galaxy Z Fold8’s thinner and lighter chassis.

What Is the Projected Market Share for the iPhone Duo?

The report projects that the iPhone Duo will ship up to six million units, capturing approximately 25% of the foldable smartphone market. Samsung, which has pioneered the foldable category with multiple models over a longer period, is projected to hold 38% market share in comparison.

Despite the iPhone Duo’s sales-boosting effect on Samsung, analysts still expect Apple’s first foldable to perform strongly. The projected 25% market share for a first-generation foldable is notable, though it remains behind Samsung’s 38% share, an advantage built through years of foldable device development and multiple product generations.

Industry projections indicate the iPhone Duo will ship up to six million units, capturing an estimated 25% of the foldable smartphone market, while Samsung is projected to hold 38%.

Who Is This For?

This comparison is relevant for consumers evaluating premium foldable smartphones in late 2026. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 appeals to buyers seeking immediate availability, lower cost, and lighter hardware. The iPhone Duo targets Apple loyalists willing to pay a premium for Apple’s first foldable design, with availability starting 23 October.

Samsung also engaged in promotional efforts following the iPhone Duo announcement. Samsung New Zealand recruited another Tim Cook — from Palmerston North — for a Galaxy Z Fold8 promotional campaign. In the TikTok video, the New Zealand Tim Cook remarks, “why would any Tim Cook go for anything else?” while promoting the Galaxy Z Fold8, a humorous take on Apple’s own advertising conventions.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 is the practical choice for budget-conscious foldable buyers prioritizing immediate availability and lighter hardware, while the iPhone Duo serves Apple enthusiasts willing to accept a higher price and a 23 October release date.

Common Questions

Why did Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 sales increase by 10% after the iPhone Duo reveal?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 sales rose approximately 10% in South Korea after the iPhone Duo announcement. Industry sources cited the Apple device’s higher price, delayed availability, and bulkier dimensions as reasons Korean buyers shifted toward Samsung’s immediately available foldable.

What is the price difference between the iPhone Duo and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

For 256GB models, the iPhone Duo costs over KRW 1 million (~RM2,940) more than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8. In Malaysia, the 256GB iPhone Duo is RM9,499, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 launched at RM7,299. The iPhone Duo 2TB model costs RM15,499.

When will the iPhone Duo be available in South Korea and Malaysia?

The iPhone Duo will be available starting 23 October in both South Korea and Malaysia, according to the report. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is immediately available in the market, giving Samsung a timing advantage over Apple’s debut foldable.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based primarily on the Lowyat.NET report titled “Samsung Saw 10% Increase In Galaxy Z Fold8 Sales After iPhone Duo Reveal,” published at https://www.lowyat.net/2026/404679/samsung-10-fold8-sales-after-iphone-duo/. The primary underlying source is The Chosun’s English-language report dated 17 September 2026. Additional promotional context was drawn from Samsung New Zealand’s TikTok video featuring Tim Cook of Palmerston North.

Currency figures are presented as reported by Lowyat.NET, including Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and South Korean Won (KRW) conversions already provided in the source material. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 sales increase of approximately 10% is reported as a week-over-week comparison relative to the week before the iPhone Duo announcement.

This article was last updated on September 2026.