GoKawiilApple's iPhone Duo Undercuts Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra on Camera and Battery
Apple has launched its first foldable phone as the iPhone Duo rather than the rumored iPhone Ultra, positioning it as a premium but not top-tier device that lacks a telephoto camera and has a smaller battery than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The compact, palm-size Duo starts at $1,999 and will be available October 23, competing more closely with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 than its flagship Z Fold 8 Ultra, which starts at $2,100 and is already on sale with Samsung's best camera and battery specs.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Apple's naming choice signals it is aiming the Duo at a broader foldable market rather than chasing Samsung's absolute high end, suggesting a more measured entry into foldables rather than an all-out flagship push. The pricing and spec gap shows Samsung still holds a technical edge in this category, even as Apple's arrival validates foldables as a mainstream premium segment.
- Apple's foldable is called the iPhone Duo, not iPhone Ultra, and skips a telephoto camera.
- The Duo's compact design competes with the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8, not the Ultra model.
- Both premium foldables are priced near $2,000, with Samsung's Ultra already available and Apple's Duo launching October 23.
Anker Nano Power Bank (30W, USB-C) — Foldables like the iPhone Duo and Galaxy Z Fold trade battery size for a slim folding design, so a pocketable top-up is handy. Anker's Nano power bank plugs straight into USB-C with no cable to carry, making it an easy companion for big-screen multitasking on the go.
See Anker Nano Power Bank (30W, USB-C) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Abrar Al-Heeti, 2026-09-13
Published there as: “iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Apple’s and Samsung’s Premium Foldables Compared”
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