Foldable frenzy: apple and samsung brace for a battle of the folding form factors

The smartphone landscape is about to shift dramatically. This year, apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone – dubbed the ‘Ultra’ – is poised to collide head-on with Samsung’s established foldables, sparking a rivalry unlike anything we’ve previously witnessed.

A radical redesign – and a gamble

apple’s approach, reportedly opting for a wider folding design reminiscent of an iPad mini in landscape mode, represents a significant departure from the traditional, more compact foldable form factor favored by Samsung. Leaked renders show a phone significantly wider when unfolded, potentially prioritizing media consumption over pocketability. This isn’t simply an iterative improvement; it’s a fundamental rethinking of the foldable concept.

Samsung’s response – and a shifting strategy

Samsung, the exclusive display supplier for the iPhone Ultra, is simultaneously pushing forward with its own foldable lineup. The Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are slated for release next month, but the company’s pivot to a narrower design, coupled with a reduced 4,800 mAh battery in the standard Z Fold 8, suggests a calculated risk. Will this gamble pay off, or will Samsung retreat to its more proven form factor, echoing the fate of the Galaxy S25 Edge line?

A $2,000 experiment – proceed with caution

Let’s be brutally frank: both the iPhone Ultra and the new Galaxy Z Fold models represent significant investments – easily exceeding $2,000, even with trade-in deals. And frankly, they're essentially first-generation experiments. There’s a real chance these innovative designs will stumble, plagued by unforeseen issues and ultimately abandoned. Waiting for the next generation of foldables – and a more refined approach – is arguably the smarter play.

The verdict? hold your horses

If you absolutely must acquire a foldable this year, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra emerges as the most conservative – and arguably safest – option. It retains the established square-unfolded layout and boasts a larger, more reliable 5,000 mAh battery. But honestly, the broader trend suggests a period of significant instability. Let apple and Samsung iron out the wrinkles, and then jump in. Right now, you’re betting on a roll of the dice.