Apple appears to have gotten the design right for its upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra, a conclusion Samsung reached only after years of trial and error. The benefit of entering a market late is the ability to observe failures and iterate until a successful product emerges. Samsung launched foldable devices years ago, but the form factor remained frustratingly imperfect until recently. The upcoming iPhone will likely rely on that accumulated research and development, much of which was funded by Samsung’s own early missteps.
The primary issue is the aspect ratio. When two generic phone screens are placed side by side, the result is a clunky square rather than a rectangular tablet screen. This shape is unsuitable for watching movies or browsing the web. Samsung has spent seven years refining this design, making “tweaks, refinements and yet more tweaks to the same basic and ultimately flawed design,” according to a colleague at Tech Advisor.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8, released last summer, was an excellent device in many respects, but its shape remained the weak point. This year’s model shows a different approach. The company adjusted the dimensions of the folded form to be shorter and wider at a 16:10 aspect ratio. When opened, the Z Fold 8 offers a 4:3 rectangular screen. The black bars above and below the image during video playback are thinner than on the previous model, making the experience simply better.
Related: Apple squeezes suppliers to cut iPhone costs
Apple’s unreleased foldable iPhone Ultra is also expected to combine a passport-shaped, squat folded form with a rectangular unfolded screen. This design was initially considered controversial when leaks surfaced. Popular YouTuber Unbox Therapy described a pre-release mockup as “weird,” “so strange,” “stubby,” and “a little shorty!” However, the design appears to be settling in as the new standard.
It is possible that Samsung and Apple arrived at the same conclusion independently. However, it seems more plausible that Samsung adjusted its approach after seeing what Apple was planning. This isn’t based on rumors or leaks, but on a supply chain reality. Mark Gurman has noted that Samsung builds Apple’s displays and would have known about the plans for years.
History suggests Samsung often learns from Apple rather than innovating on its own. The original 2010 Galaxy S was inspired by early iterations of the iPhone. Apple claimed the rival copied “every element” of its layout, app icons, and physical packaging, and a jury largely agreed with the assessment. A decade and a half later, the Galaxy S25 was distinctly reminiscent of Apple’s announcements from the previous year.
This pattern extends beyond phones to other categories. The Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Watch Ultra bear a striking resemblance to AirPods and the Apple Watch Ultra. Samsung even copied decisions it initially mocked, such as removing the headphone jack from its phones and the charger from its packaging. The relationship has become a one-way obsession, but consumers may benefit from the result.
Related: Samsung Boosts Galaxy Z Fold 8 Production Over Flip Models
This year, shoppers finally get book-style foldables designed the way they should be, with multiple options available. It is a little hard on Apple, which hasn’t even launched its new flagship and is already getting copied. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so perhaps the company’s management will look at this as its earliest ever five-star review.
Industry analysts suggest Apple’s cost-cutting measures are spreading throughout the supply chain. The tech giant is reportedly squeezing suppliers to lower the production cost of its devices. One report indicates Apple has successfully reduced the expense of components by nearly 20 percent. This financial strategy allows the company to maintain higher profit margins while keeping prices competitive in the crowded market. [1]
Samsung is also adjusting its production priorities to match Apple’s shift toward foldable technology. The company plans to boost the output of its Galaxy Z Fold 8 over its Flip models. This decision reflects a market trend where larger screens are gaining traction. By focusing on the folding model, Samsung aims to capture a larger share of the premium segment. [2]
