The Korea Herald reported that Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 sold about 20% more in South Korea than in the prior week during the week after Apple’s iPhone Duo launch, citing telecommunications industry sources.
The sources suggested that consumers’ regard for Samsung’s hinge engineering and device durability, along with the experience of using its AI features, may have played a role in the increase, the newspaper reported.
Separately, Yonhap reported 1.44 million Galaxy Z8 series units during July’s presale period, a record for Samsung smartphone presales in South Korea.
Apple had scheduled iPhone Duo availability to begin Oct. 23. Its first foldable iPhone has a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display, and Apple Pencil (USB-C) support was planned for later in 2026. EconoTimes previously covered Apple’s scheduled South Korean debut.
The two companies entered the foldable-phone market at different times. EconoTimes previously reported that Samsung announced the Galaxy Fold in February 2019, more than seven years before Apple’s first foldable went on sale.
The Korea Herald has also cited IDC analyst Nabila Popal, who views demand a year after launch, once the initial novelty fades, as a key measure of lasting interest in foldable phones.
