Correction (2 October 2026): The original article, published on 15 August, presented Apple, Samsung and Google foldables as competing in the same release window and compared their hinges, software and prices without identifying equivalent models, dated prices or test methods. Apple had not announced its first foldable iPhone on that publication date. The simultaneous launch, durability ranking and price-positioning claims are withdrawn.

What the companies announced, and when

Samsung’s 22 July 2026 announcement identifies its Galaxy Z Fold8 series. Google’s 12 August 2026 announcement identifies the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Apple’s 9 September 2026 announcement introduced iPhone Duo and scheduled pre-orders for 16 October and initial availability for 23 October, with other regions later. As of this correction, an Apple retail-unit comparison cannot be treated as a completed same-window hands-on test. Regional availability must be checked with each manufacturer.

How to make a fair foldable comparison

Name the exact model, region and observation date for each phone. Separate manufacturer hinge and water-resistance claims from independent, repeatable durability tests. Compare software features on stated operating-system versions and compatible apps. Quote prices only with currency, configuration, taxes and date; do not infer current stock or promotions from a launch release. We have not performed hinge cycling, drop testing or side-by-side software testing for these models.

Evidence status: Announcements and launch schedules above come from the three manufacturers. Model-specific durability, real-world software performance and current prices remain Needs editor verification before any winner or buying recommendation is published.