Samsung Reportedly Moves Up Galaxy Z Trifold 2 Launch in Response to iPhone Duo
Samsung is reportedly bringing forward the launch of its Galaxy Z Trifold 2 as it reacts to Apple's iPhone Duo, according to a Sept. 16 report, after the original dual-fold model was discontinued within months.
Signs of Samsung's concern appeared before the iPhone Duo was officially announced. The company criticized the reported weight of the device, according to the report. After the launch, attention turned to durability. Apple addressed a key weakness of Samsung's foldables: vulnerability to damage from dust and dirt. Samsung's latest folding model is rated to IP48, leaving it vulnerable to particles as large as a grain of sand. The iPhone Duo is rated to IP68, meaning fully dustproof.
Samsung now appears to hope that if one fold is not enough, two will do the trick. 9to5Google, a sister site of 9to5Mac, spotted a report suggesting Samsung plans to bring forward the Galaxy Z Trifold 2 launch in direct response to the iPhone Duo. The move would be surprising because the original dual-fold model was not a market or financial success.
The original TriFold made its US debut in January for $2,900 and was discontinued barely three months later. Rumors at the time said it was sold at a loss. Next year's model is expected to sell for roughly the same price as the original, according to the report.
The report did not specify a launch date for the Galaxy Z Trifold 2 or how much earlier Samsung might release it. It also did not say whether the accelerated timeline is final. Samsung's foldable phones have a poor track record on robustness and reliability, which made the iPhone Duo's build quality a particular concern, the report said.
The comparison between the two devices centers on dust and water protection. IP68 certification generally means a device is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water under defined conditions. IP48 does not offer complete protection against dust, leaving Samsung's latest foldable more exposed to particles. The iPhone Duo's rating therefore targets a weakness that has affected Samsung's foldable range.
Samsung's original dual-fold model was priced at $2,900 in the US and discontinued after about three months, with rumors that it sold at a loss. The expected price of the next model, roughly the same as the original, suggests Samsung is not planning to compete on price. The reported plan to bring the launch forward indicates that Samsung views the iPhone Duo as a reason to adjust its foldable schedule, though the report relies on a single source and did not include confirmation from Samsung.