Apple iPhone Duo launch faces delays as Samsung sees surge in Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales

Apple's inaugural foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, launched on 16 February but quickly ran out of stock, prompting the company to postpone delivery windows from November to December and now to January 2027. The high demand, despite a price tag of about $2,000, led Apple to describe the response as “nothing short of extraordinary” in a media statement.

In the United Kingdom, Samsung's mobile leadership noted a 16% rise in purchases of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series since its release, and Google search queries for Samsung foldables have increased by 300% over the previous month, indicating growing consumer interest.

Analysts suggest the iPhone Duo could secure Apple a 25% share of the overall foldable market by the end of 2026, potentially expanding the acceptance of book-style foldables, which currently represent roughly 2% of global smartphone shipments, most of which are lower-priced flip models.

“The Duo validates far more than Samsung’s decision to experiment with foldables all those years ago; its unprecedented demand hints at a sea change in how people want to use their phones,” the article notes.

Industry observers note that while component costs remain high, premium foldable devices may become more mainstream, with the Duo’s launch serving as a benchmark for future adoption.