Apple’s iPhone Duo is accidentally boosting Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales

Samsung may see Apple’s new iPhone Duo as a major competitor, but it looks like the launch of Apple’s first foldable has actually helped Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales, at least in one region.

Apple finally unveiled the iPhone Duo on September 9, 2026, bringing a similar wider, passport-style form factor to the book-style foldable market. Apple’s entry into the category has naturally brought more attention to foldable phones in general, and it seems Samsung is already benefiting from that increased interest in South Korea.

According to a report from Maeil Business Newspaper, Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales in South Korea increased by “approximately 10%” following Apple’s iPhone Duo announcement compared to the week before. The report, however, doesn’t disclose specific sales figures.

Industry sources reportedly believe some of that increase comes from “pent-up demand” shifting toward Samsung. Some customers had apparently been delaying their foldable purchase while waiting to see what Apple would announce.

But with the iPhone Duo not arriving until the end of next month and also costing considerably more, some of those buyers may now be choosing the Galaxy Z Fold 8 instead. And price is likely playing a major role here.

The iPhone Duo may actually be helping Samsung

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at around 2.28 million won in South Korea, or roughly $1,650, while the equivalent iPhone Duo configuration will reportedly cost 3.29 million won, or around $2,400. That’s a pretty substantial difference, so it’s not difficult to see why some customers interested in the form factor might be shifting toward Samsung’s cheaper option.

There are other factors at play as well. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is thinner and lighter than the iPhone Duo while offering a broadly similar wider foldable form factor for considerably less money.

The publication notes that it’s still too early to say whether Samsung has gained any meaningful long-term advantage from Apple’s entry into the foldable market. But at least initially, it looks like the increased attention surrounding the iPhone Duo is also giving the Galaxy Z Fold 8 a small boost.

There’s no indication yet that we’re seeing a similar trend in the U.S., though. The pricing situation is also quite different here, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and iPhone Duo separated by only around $100.