Domestic sales of Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Z Fold 8 reportedly increased by more than 20% following the launch of Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo. Apple’s entry into the market appears to have boosted consumer interest in foldable phones, potentially benefiting Samsung, which has long led the segment.

According to telecommunications industry sources on the 4th, domestic sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 rose more than 20% in the week following the iPhone Duo’s launch on the 23rd of last month. Specific sales figures and the basis for comparison, however, have not been disclosed.

Released in South Korea on the 23rd of last month, the iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable smartphone. Apple’s entry into a market long dominated by Samsung has ushered in a new phase of competition between the two companies.

Some had initially predicted that Apple’s entry could eat into demand for Samsung’s foldable phones. However, the early sales trend suggests the launch may also have increased interest in existing foldable devices.

Samsung is emphasizing its eight generations of accumulated hinge technology, durability and AI features optimized for foldable displays as key competitive advantages. The Galaxy Z8 series previously recorded 1.44 million units in domestic preorders.

International media have also suggested that Apple’s entry into the foldable market may not necessarily be bad news for Samsung.

In September, U.S. technology publication Android Authority reported that domestic sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 had increased by approximately 10% from the previous week following the unveiling of the iPhone Duo. The outlet suggested that the iPhone Duo’s high price and wait time before its release may have influenced consumer choices.

The price gap is another factor. In South Korea, the 256-gigabyte iPhone Duo is priced at 3.29 million won, or approximately $2,193, which is 1.01 million won, or about $673, more than the 256GB Galaxy Z Fold 8, priced at 2.28 million won, or approximately $1,520. Analysts suggest that consumers considering a foldable phone may have opted for Samsung’s model after comparing prices and product quality.

Market research firm Counterpoint Research projected in a September report that cumulative global shipments of foldable phones would exceed 100 million units this year. It forecast Samsung’s share of the global foldable phone market at 38%, followed by Apple at 25% and Huawei at 22%. The outlook suggests that Apple’s entry could intensify competition while also expanding the overall foldable phone market.

Samsung also appears to be stepping up sales promotions in response to growing demand for foldable phones. The company has extended enrollment for its “New Galaxy AI Subscription Club” by one month, through the 30th of this month, from its originally scheduled end date late last month. It is also offering additional trade-in incentives for used phones and year-end promotions.

Domestic sales of Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Z Fold 8 reportedly increased by more than 2 …

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Sales Jump More Than 20% After Apple’s iPhone Duo Launch, Intensifying Foldable Phone Rivalry