Samsung has welcomed Apple’s expected entry into the foldable phone market, but warned that weight will be one of the most important factors in determining whether the first foldable iPhone succeeds.
Hee-Cheul Moon, head of Samsung’s Advanced Mechanical Research and Development group, and Seungki Choi, head of its Smartphone Research and Development group, discussed Apple’s planned device in an interview with Wired.
Samsung has spent several years developing its Galaxy Z Fold range and sees Apple’s arrival as an endorsement of the category it helped establish. Mr Moon said the company was “absolutely welcome” to the prospect of a rival entering the market.
“Seeing these other brands entering the market, we feel very proud of ourselves that the value that we pioneered with this new category of foldables is being acknowledged and recognized,” he said.
Samsung says foldable phone weight will be crucial
Mr Moon identified weight as the key challenge facing manufacturers. “The key to providing the highest customer value in this market is all about the weight of the device,” he said.
Samsung has reduced the weight and thickness of its foldable phones substantially since the first Galaxy Fold was launched. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is reported to weigh 201g, making it lighter than several conventional flagship smartphones, including Samsung’s 214g Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to be heavier, at about 230g to 241g, according to figures cited by Wired. That would put it broadly alongside the 233g iPhone 17 Pro Max, although the final weight and specifications have not been confirmed by Apple.
The device is reportedly known as the “iPhone Duo” and is expected to use a book-style design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. That would place the two companies in direct competition as Apple seeks to establish itself in a market where Android manufacturers have had a lengthy head start.
Samsung’s executives suggested that the improvements made to successive Galaxy Z Fold models – particularly in reducing bulk – reflect lessons learned over years of producing foldable devices. Apple’s debut is expected to bring greater public attention to the technology and could accelerate competition across the sector.
Apple has yet to formally confirm the name, design or launch details of its first foldable iPhone.
