Samsung appears ready to extend its dominance in foldable smartphones with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra—and if early reports and trends hold true, Apple’s first foldable iPhone may arrive feeling more like a first draft than a finished masterpiece.
Here’s why the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra could make the rumored iPhone Fold look like a prototype by comparison.
Samsung’s Massive Head Start in Foldables
Samsung has been refining foldable phones for years, iterating across multiple generations of the Galaxy Z Fold lineup. That experience matters. Each release has improved:
- Hinge durability
- Display crease reduction
- App optimization
- Multitasking performance
By the time the Z Fold 8 Ultra arrives, Samsung will be working from a deeply mature platform—while Apple will still be learning in real time.
Display Technology Apple Can’t Yet Match
Samsung is the global leader in OLED and foldable display manufacturing, and the Z Fold 8 Ultra is expected to push that advantage even further.
Key display strengths likely include:
- Brighter, more durable foldable OLED panels
- Smoother refresh rates across inner and outer displays
- Reduced or nearly invisible crease
- Better aspect ratios for multitasking and media
Apple’s first foldable iPhone, by contrast, will likely take a more conservative approach, prioritizing safety over innovation.
True Multitasking vs. iOS Limitations
Samsung’s foldables shine because of real multitasking. The Galaxy Z Fold line already supports:
- Multiple resizable apps on screen
- Desktop-style workflows
- Drag-and-drop between apps
- Optimized split-screen and floating windows
Unless Apple significantly reworks iOS, the first iPhone Fold may struggle to fully exploit a foldable form factor—making it feel limited compared to Samsung’s productivity-focused approach.
Hinge Engineering and Real-World Durability
Samsung has spent years improving hinge mechanisms to withstand daily folding. The Z Fold 8 Ultra is expected to feature:
- Stronger hinge materials
- Improved dust and water resistance
- Smoother folding action with less stress on the display
Apple’s first foldable will likely prioritize caution, which could result in thicker designs, heavier hardware, or limited folding angles—classic signs of a first-generation product.
Camera, Battery, and Performance Balance
Samsung is expected to deliver Ultra-level hardware in the Fold 8 Ultra, including:
- Flagship-grade cameras
- Better battery efficiency
- Advanced AI-powered features
- Top-tier performance without overheating
Apple’s initial foldable may focus more on stability and ecosystem compatibility rather than pushing hardware limits, further reinforcing the “prototype” feeling when compared side by side.
Ecosystem Readiness Matters
Samsung’s ecosystem already supports foldables across:
- Android app optimization
- Samsung DeX
- S Pen integration
- Cross-device workflows
Apple’s ecosystem is powerful—but largely optimized for slabs. Adapting it to foldables will take time, and early adopters may feel those growing pains.
First-Gen vs. Eighth-Gen Reality
This comparison ultimately comes down to experience:
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra → Eighth-generation refinement
- iPhone Fold → First-generation experimentation
That gap alone explains why Samsung’s device is expected to feel more complete, more capable, and more confident from day one.
What This Means for Buyers
For consumers, the choice may come down to priorities:
- If you want cutting-edge foldable hardware and productivity, Samsung clearly leads
- If you prefer Apple’s ecosystem and are willing to accept first-gen limitations, the iPhone Fold may still appeal
But purely from a hardware and foldable maturity standpoint, Samsung holds a decisive advantage.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra represents the culmination of years of foldable innovation. When Apple finally enters the foldable market, its first iPhone Fold will almost certainly be polished—but cautious.
That contrast is why the Z Fold 8 Ultra is poised to make Apple’s debut foldable feel less like a revolution and more like a prototype catching up.