Apple's iPhone Ultra is set to debut at the September 9, 2026 launch event, with pricing between $2,000-$2,500 and potential limited availability. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 launched July 22, 2026, starting at $1,899 for 256GB, with 512GB at $2,099 and 1TB at $2,499.

Both foldables feature similar passport-style designs with 5.5-inch cover displays. The iPhone Ultra sports a 7.8-inch inner panel and could be 4.5mm thin unfolded, available in muted white and black. It may use Touch ID in the power button instead of Face ID. A key differentiator: leaks suggest the iPhone Ultra could debut a creaseless display using dual ultra-thin glass layers and a liquid-metal hinge, potentially surpassing the Z Fold 8's visible crease. Samsung's device offers IP48 dust and water resistance.

Hardware-wise, the iPhone Ultra reportedly packs a 4,883mAh battery, comparable to the Z Fold 8, but iOS efficiency and a rumored 2nm chip node could yield superior battery life. The Ultra's inner display is a 7.8-inch ProMotion LTPO OLED versus Samsung's 7.6-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED.