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Apple’s iPhone Duo reignites the race for foldable smartphones Published on 27 September 2026 by Christ-loisele (3 min read)
Apple’s launch of the iPhone Duo has marked a turning point in the foldable smartphone market.
Video: iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold 8: 5 Reasons Samsung Still Wins (GregglesTV, YouTube) A booming market thanks to Apple
Apple has officially launched the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, a segment previously dominated by Samsung since the Galaxy Fold in 2019. According to IDC , only 20.6 million foldable devices were shipped last year, a negligible figure compared to the 1.25 billion smartphones sold globally. Yet, the announcement of the iPhone Duo has reignited interest in this category, prompting consumers to consider models like the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
For Beninese or West African businesses, this trend could mean increased demand for professional devices equipped with foldable screens, particularly in finance or healthcare sectors, where productivity and tool versatility are critical.
The compactness of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 makes it more practical for daily use, especially for video conferences or document management.
Samsung adjusts its strategy amid Apple’s competition
Samsung, the pioneer of foldable smartphones, has reacted swiftly to the arrival of the iPhone Duo. The company has seen a rise in Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales since Apple’s announcement, according to Engadget . To capture a larger market share, Samsung has even reduced prices for certain foldable models in some regions, a strategy that could spread to West Africa if demand grows.
Local businesses could benefit from these price cuts to equip their teams with high-end devices, while also enjoying improved ergonomics offered by foldable screens, as highlighted by Lewis Painter of Trusted Reviews : the compactness of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 makes it more practical for daily use, especially for video conferences or document management.
Design and innovation: two distinct approaches
The iPhone Duo and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 adopt radically different designs. The former features a matte nano-textured finish to conceal the internal screen fold, described by Apple as ‘perceptually flat,’ while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 prioritizes uniform edges and aesthetic symmetry, as noted by Geeky Gadgets . These choices reflect opposing philosophies: Apple aims to minimize imperfections, whereas Samsung focuses on a seamless user experience between folded and unfolded modes.
For Beninese administrations, these innovations could simplify the use of mobile tools in demanding professional environments, where screen readability and responsiveness are essential.
Impact on developers and the ecosystem
The iPhone Duo introduces an adaptive interface, designed to adjust depending on whether the device is folded, unfolded, or half-open. An approach that contrasts with current solutions, often criticized for their rigidity, as highlighted by Engadget . Already, Android developers are drawing inspiration from this animation to enhance their own applications, a sign that the mobile ecosystem may evolve toward more dynamic interfaces.
For local companies developing mobile solutions, this trend could open opportunities to create applications optimized for foldable screens, a niche but rapidly growing market.
Pricing and accessibility: a challenge for West Africa
With a starting price of $1,999 for the iPhone Duo and $1,899 for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, these devices remain out of reach for the majority of African consumers. However, Samsung’s price reductions could, in the long term, make these technologies more affordable, particularly for professionals in major cities like Cotonou or Abidjan.
Beninese administrations and companies could thus anticipate a drop in costs to integrate these devices into their professional fleets, provided that local operators offer tailored packages and maintenance services.
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