The first Samsung Galaxy Fold, launched in 2019, suffered severe screen damage from dust and dirt ingress, leading Samsung to cancel all pre‑orders. Eight generations later, the same issue persists: iFixit’s teardown of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 reveals an IP48 rating, meaning dust and sand can still enter the hingejeli, causing crunching noises and eventual failure.

Apple’s delay in launching its own folding phone was driven by two key concerns. First, the visible crease when unfolded was unsatisfactory, forcing Apple to collaborate with Samsung engineers to eliminate it. Second, the hinge’s robustness was questionable; Apple resolved this only in June, after extensive testing and redesign.

Will the upcoming iPhone Ultra sidestep these problems? The crease issue appears solved, as the display is nearly invisible. Hinge durability remains to be proven over years, but the IP rating will be critical. Apple is expected to list an IP rating of at least IP5 and ideally IP6 once the Ultra’s specs are released next month.

Watch for the launch keynote for confirmation—if the rating is six, Apple will highlight it immediately.