iPhone Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold 8: Apple's Foldable iPhone Arrives Tonight to Challenge Samsung’s Dominance

Apple is expected to enter the foldable smartphone race today with the launch of the iPhone Ultra, also rumoured to be called the iPhone 18 Fold. If Apple does unveil its first foldable iPhone, it will immediately face a formidable rival: Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, which has already launched with a starting price of $1,899 or Rs 1,79,999 in India.

Samsung has spent years refining its foldable smartphones, while Apple is only now expected to enter the category. That makes this an interesting battle. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 brings mature foldable hardware, established multitasking features and a proven design, while the iPhone Ultra could attract millions of Apple users who have been waiting for a foldable without leaving the iOS ecosystem.

However, it is important to note that the iPhone Ultra or iPhone 18 Fold specifications mentioned below are based on rumours and leaks. Apple's official announcement will reveal the final hardware and features.

iPhone Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold 8: Expected Specs Compared

All iPhone Ultra/iPhone 18 Fold specifications are based on rumours and are not officially confirmed.

Apple's Biggest Challenge Is Samsung's Experience

The iPhone Ultra could be Apple's most important smartphone launch in years, but Samsung has a significant head start. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 represents several generations of work on hinges, flexible displays, multitasking and app continuity.

At $1,899 or Rs 1,79,999, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is already positioned firmly in the ultra-premium category. However, the rumoured $2,000 to $2,500 price of the iPhone Ultra suggests that Apple's first foldable could cost even more.

That means Apple will need to offer more than just an iPhone that folds.

iPhone Ultra Could Bring a Wider Foldable Design

According to rumours, the iPhone Ultra could feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a larger 7.8-inch internal screen. The device is also expected to adopt a wider, shorter design that could make the cover screen easier to use for typing, messaging and everyday tasks.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 already offers a similar approach, with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch foldable internal panel. Samsung's experience with foldable hardware could give it an advantage in durability, especially with its IP48 rating.

Apple, meanwhile, is rumoured to use an advanced hinge and display structure designed to reduce the visibility of the crease. If these rumours prove accurate, display quality and the foldable mechanism could become two of the iPhone Ultra's biggest selling points.

Hardware Could Be Surprisingly Close

The two devices could be closely matched in terms of battery capacity. The iPhone Ultra is rumoured to feature a 4,883mAh battery, compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8's 4,800mAh unit.

Apple's rumoured A20 chip could also be a major advantage. Expected to be built using a 2nm process, the processor could focus heavily on performance and power efficiency. Samsung's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy should also deliver flagship-level performance, especially for gaming and multitasking.

Camera hardware, however, may not be the biggest strength of either foldable. The iPhone Ultra is rumoured to feature two 48MP rear cameras, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is listed with dual 50MP cameras. Buyers hoping for Pro Max or Galaxy Ultra-level camera hardware may need to check the final specifications carefully.

Software Could Decide the Winner

The real battle may not be about displays or processors. It could be about software.

Samsung already has a mature foldable experience with multi-window support, floating apps and app continuity between the outer and inner displays. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 has years of software development behind it.

Apple's iPhone Ultra, however, could introduce a new foldable-focused version of iOS 27. Rumours suggest improved multitasking, floating windows and taskbar-style navigation. If Apple can make iOS feel natural on a large foldable display, the iPhone Ultra could become an attractive option for users who want both a smartphone and a compact tablet.

For now, Samsung has the advantage of experience. But Apple's ecosystem remains one of its biggest strengths. The iPhone Ultra could give existing iPhone users access to a foldable device without sacrificing iMessage, FaceTime, AirDrop, Apple Watch connectivity and other Apple services.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the proven foldable available today. The iPhone Ultra could be the device that finally brings foldables into Apple's massive iPhone ecosystem. The final verdict will depend on Apple's official specifications, pricing and software features revealed at today's event.