Samsung’s foldable sales surge owes a nod to Apple
Samsung says European sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series rose 45% in the first nine weeks compared with the Fold 7. The article argues that Apple’s foldable iPhone Duo helped generate interest in new foldable designs, while Samsung’s role as a display supplier gave it early insight. A Samsung executive says foldables have now entered the mainstream.
Samsung’s release says European sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 family were 45% higher in the first nine weeks than for the Fold 7. The range includes a new wider folding model and a rebranded Ultra version. Richard Chang, a UK and Ireland mobile vice president, characterized the category as having reached mass-market status.
The piece ties the timing to Apple’s iPhone Duo, noting Samsung makes that device’s displays and therefore had early awareness. It also says the Fold 8’s starting price sits below the Duo and Fold 8 Ultra.
The sales result may encourage more shoppers to see foldables as everyday devices, particularly people who want larger screens without a tablet. It could push competitors to sharpen designs and pricing, giving consumers more options. Suppliers and app makers may also face rising demand for software that adapts to changing screen shapes. Because these devices remain expensive, the impact may stay strongest among affluent early adopters rather than the wider public.