Samsung has achieved a head start in making foldable smartphones thinner and more durable. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is 4.1 mm thick when unfolded, placing it among the thinnest in its class, and introduces new technology using Flex Titanium, a material made by a Japanese company. Apple, meanwhile, is widely reported to be likely to unveil its first foldable model at an event on 10 September.
Samsung has made the Fold8 Ultra 4.1 mm thick when unfolded and adopted Flex Titanium technology to combine thinness with durability. The technology is said to make the crease less noticeable and improve durability compared with previous models, with a Japanese partner company reportedly supplying the material.
Apple is widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone at an event in the early hours of 10 September Japan time, but no official announcement has yet been made. Leaks reportedly point to a book-style model with a display measuring approximately 5.5 inches when closed and 7.8 inches when open, while some estimates put the price in the ¥300,000s to more than ¥400,000.
Flex Titanium is described as a structure that supports the inner panel by layering titanium alloy beneath the display. It reduces the ridge at the centre of the screen while improving durability. Although it is approximately one-third the thickness of a human hair, it is said to achieve around 20 times the strength of previous materials.
The choice between a foldable iPhone and a Galaxy is expected to be influenced by Galaxy’s accumulated experience, including real-world information from users about hinge durability and crease visibility, and Apple’s rollout of what is likely to be its first-generation model.
Attention is therefore focused on what kind of response Apple will present at its 10 September event.