Samsung advises Apple on folding iPhone: 'Weight is key'
Original: Here’s Samsung’s Advice for Apple and Its Upcoming Folding iPhone
Why This Matters
Apple entering foldables will test whether weight engineering is the decisive factor in mainstream adoption.
Samsung's R&D executives told WIRED they welcome Apple's entry into the foldable market, but warned that device weight is the critical factor for success. Apple's rumored folding iPhone is expected to weigh 230–241g, heavier than Samsung's 201g Galaxy Z Fold8.
Samsung's Hee-Cheul Moon and Seungki Choi spoke with WIRED ahead of Apple's anticipated folding iPhone launch. Moon stated competition is 'absolutely welcome,' calling it recognition of the value Samsung pioneered in foldables. When asked for advice, Moon said: 'The key to providing the highest customer value in this market is all about the weight of the device.' Apple's folding iPhone, rumored as the iPhone Ultra, is expected to weigh 230–241 grams — heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold8's 201 grams. Samsung achieved that figure by analyzing approximately 270 components and 180+ auxiliary parts, eliminating 15 auxiliary parts, redesigning circuit boards, and machining the internal display support plate to 0.2mm. The company also developed 'Flex Titanium,' a titanium alloy film roughly one-third the width of a human hair. The Fold8 also drops to a dual-camera system, removing the telephoto lens. Samsung says Fold8 preorders rose 30% globally versus last year, with the Fold8 accounting for nearly half of that total.