I was wrong about the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but the iPhone Ultra is still in danger

Mere weeks after the Galaxy Z Fold 8 launched, it has turned into one of the most successful foldables ever, and the reason may be nothing more than its shape. This may sound like good news for Apple and the foldable iPhone Ultra, which is launching in only a few days, but there may be an important catch. 

Everyone is in love with the Galaxy Z Fold 8

Samsung is selling so many Galaxy Z Fold 8 units that it’s facing shortages of a very specific chip related to the functioning of the display. While the issue may be difficult to solve, it shows that Samsung underestimated how many people would want to own a new passport-style foldable.

A poll we ran recently has only confirmed the popularity of the new form factor. We asked you what did you think about this type of phones, and the overwhelming majority of you are really into the idea.

Over half of you, or 51.9% to be more precise, declared that you’re in love with the passport-style concept and you’re buying such a foldable soon. Almost a third, or 29.4%, said they liked the idea, but there’s one little problem, which could be detrimental for the success of the iPhone Ultra.

This is the latest you need to know about the iPhone Ultra:

• Leak reveals Apple's plans for the iPhone and iPhone Ultra over the next few years
• I wanted ex-Apple CEO Tim Cook to be present at the foldable iPhone Ultra launch, and I kind of got my wish
• 5 flagship features missing from the iPhone Ultra, and why Apple left them out

The iPhone Ultra may have a pricing problem

This third of you thought that passport-style foldables were too expensive, which is difficult to deny. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at $1,899 in the US, which makes it noticeably more expensive than even the most advanced slab smartphones money can buy. 

We will know the cost of the iPhone Ultra on Wednesday, September 9, but the latest rumors suggest that Apple may ask an even higher price than Samsung. Different estimates put its first foldable at at least $1,999, with some analysts suggesting starting prices of as much as $2,500.



While foldables were never even remotely budget-friendly devices, they’re interesting enough to justify the expense. However, even the most intriguing device comes with a pricing limit, and for a third of you, Samsung has reached it. If Apple’s foldable is even more expensive, then even fewer people will be eager to splurge on it.

Flip foldables may be doomed, but the taller ones still enjoy some love

Considering the rumors that the Galaxy Z Flip 8 could be Samsung’s last flip phone, it is not such a surprise that only 2% of you say you prefer this type of foldable. Another 10% say they prefer the taller models, like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Of course, slab phones are not going away, and 6.3% of you are not even interested in foldables, saying you prefer the good old form factor. I can see how anyone who seeks the most powerful smartphone out there isn’t impressed by the compromises required to have a foldable display.

Could this be a new age for mainstream smartphones?

I was skeptical about passport-style foldables, but it appears I was wrong and people really like the idea. This doesn’t mean we’re ditching slab phones and moving to the new form factor right away. Until these devices become significantly cheaper and start offering even better specs, many people won’t even consider them.

Still, there’s a growing number of smartphone users who are eager to try something new, and the pricing may be the last barrier for them. This could mean trouble for Apple, but it is also an opportunity, especially if we have a nice surprise on September 9.

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