Samsung shares drop as Apple enters foldables, threatening seven-year lead

Samsung Electronics shares fell 1.5% on Thursday after Apple entered the foldable smartphone market with its $1,999 iPhone Duo, directly challenging Samsung's seven-year head start in the category. Apple's entry follows years of Samsung development since the original Galaxy Fold launched in 2019. IDC forecasts Apple will sell 10 million Duo units in its first year, capturing an estimated 44% of segment value and nearly one-third of the foldable market by 2026. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales have grown 30% year-over-year, and the company retains advantages in design variety and supply chain maturity. However, Apple's large iPhone user base could shift premium value share, with preorders opening October 16.