Apple Inc. intelligence

Passport-sized foldable market splits into three-way battle between Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi

September 26, 2026 · Updated September 28, 2026 · Curated by 247ignite
Critical

Passport-sized foldable market splits into three-way battle between Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi

koreajoongangdaily.com

Apple's iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, launches on October 23 at $2,000. The device features IP68 water resistance and a 5,400 mAh battery, aiming to differentiate itself through durability and battery life. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8, launched in August, emphasizes portability and thinness, while Xiaomi's 18 Fold targets battery longevity at a lower price point. Samsung has already secured over 5 million preorders globally.

Apple's late entry into the foldable market reflects its strategy of refining features before launch. However, Samsung's established dominance and Xiaomi's aggressive pricing in China could limit Apple's ability to scale quickly, particularly in price-sensitive markets.

Investment implication: Apple's entry into foldables could diversify its revenue streams, but the $2,000 price tag and strong competition may constrain adoption. For you, this raises questions about Apple's ability to grow its premium market share while competing against entrenched rivals like Samsung and Xiaomi.

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