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SAMSUNG FOLDABLES PRE-ORDERS SURGE 30% AHEAD OF APPLE

INDUSTRY DESK2 MIN READ
WED, AUG 5, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 2 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

Samsung's latest Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8 are tracking to break all previous Z-series pre-order records, with demand up 30% year-over-year.

Samsung Electronics reported strong early demand for its new folding smartphone lineup, signaling continued momentum in the foldable market as the company heads into a competitive product cycle. The Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8 are pacing ahead of all prior Z-series models in pre-order volume, according to the company. The 30% growth compared to last year's models underscores sustained consumer interest in Samsung's flagship foldable devices. The announcement comes as Samsung prepares for increased competition. Apple is expected to debut its own foldable devices, potentially as early as next year, marking the tech giant's entry into a category Samsung has dominated. The launch would represent a significant shift in the foldable market, which has remained primarily Samsung's domain. Samsung's foldable lineup has matured considerably since the first Galaxy Fold launched in 2019. The company has addressed earlier durability concerns and refined the user experience across multiple generations. The Z Fold models target productivity-focused users seeking larger screens, while the Z Flip line appeals to those prioritizing portability and design. The pre-order momentum suggests Samsung's foldable strategy is resonating with early adopters willing to pay premium prices for the technology. Foldables remain a niche category, representing a small fraction of overall smartphone sales, but they have become increasingly important for manufacturers looking to differentiate from competitors offering traditional form factors. Samsung has not disclosed specific pre-order numbers or regional breakdowns. The company has historically used strong pre-order announcements to generate positive headlines ahead of product launches and to pressure competitors exploring the foldable space. The company plans to formally announce additional details about the new lineup in coming weeks.

■ SOURCES

Bloomberg TechThe Verge

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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