Samsung Reports 45% Sales Surge for Galaxy Z Fold8 Series Amid Apple iPhone Duo Launch

Image: Ars Technica · Source

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra sales in Europe have risen by 45% compared to the previous generation, driven in part by heightened consumer interest following Apple’s iPhone Duo announcement.

Samsung Electronics has revealed a substantial increase in sales of its Galaxy Z Fold8 series foldable smartphones across Europe, with combined sales of the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra up 45 percent compared to the Galaxy Z Fold7 in the same period last year. This performance comes in the nine weeks following the launch of the new models on August 7, 2026, reflecting growing consumer enthusiasm for foldable devices.

The surge in demand corresponds closely with the announcement of Apple's iPhone Duo foldable phone on September 9, 2026, which appears to have amplified public interest in foldable technology. Consumer search data from key European markets shows a more than 260 percent increase in Google searches for Samsung foldables during September, with a peak 460 percent spike occurring in the week of September 6 to 12, coinciding precisely with the iPhone Duo unveiling.

Samsung attributes the success partly to the Galaxy Z Fold8’s refined form factor, which facilitates smooth transitions between quick interactions via the cover screen and immersive experiences on the larger main display, making it suited for activities like gaming, reading, and multimedia consumption. The wider screen design addresses previous usability challenges faced by foldable phones, enabling better compatibility with apps and media optimized for portrait orientation.

In addition to hardware improvements, the Galaxy Z8 series integrates advanced AI features under Samsung’s Galaxy AI umbrella. These include Now Brief, which offers personalized insights based on user routines and interests, and Now Nudge, which proactively suggests next steps during conversations, enhancing productivity and communication on the foldable displays. Gemini Intelligence further streamlines tasks by allowing users to issue complex requests with contextual inputs, supporting automation across more than 40 apps and services.

While Samsung has not disclosed specific sales figures for the Galaxy Z Flip8, the company noted previously that its larger foldables, like the Z Fold models, consistently constitute about 80 percent of foldable sales, suggesting relatively stable demand for the flip form factor. In the US market, preorders for the Galaxy Z8 series reportedly increased by 30 percent compared to the previous generation, though recent official data has not been released.

Launched at $1,900, the Galaxy Z Fold8 is priced competitively within the premium smartphone segment, notably close to the $2,000 price tag of Apple’s iPhone Duo, signaling that foldables are becoming more accessible as mainstream consumer options despite their high-end positioning. Samsung’s expansion and innovation in foldable devices point to a strengthening market trend sparked by growing industry attention and consumer awareness catalyzed by Apple’s entry into the category.

For detailed specifications and further information, Samsung directs consumers to its official Galaxy Z series webpage. As foldable technology matures, manufacturers are expected to continue refining design and software to enhance user experience, potentially driving broader adoption in the coming years.