Samsung raises prices with new foldable smartphone launch

Samsung launched its newest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8, on Wednesday. The South Korean tech giant has increased the prices of its foldable devices, citing rising component costs, particularly for memory chips essential for these devices.

The new models were unveiled at the company's Unpacked event held in London. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is priced at $2,099, the Galaxy Z Fold8 at $1,899, and the Galaxy Z Flip8 at $1,199. This marks a price increase of approximately $100 for the Fold8 Ultra and Flip8 compared to their predecessors.

The company attributes the price hikes to increased costs on the broader market, especially for memory chips which have become more expensive due to high demand from the AI industry and supply shortages. Samsung also expands its foldable lineup with the introduction of the Fold8 Ultra model, in addition to the existing two lines.

The launch comes ahead of anticipated entries into the foldable market by competitors, including Apple. Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, noted that 2026 is a significant year for foldables, and Apple's expected entry will lend further legitimacy to the category.

Samsung aims to maintain its leadership in the foldable smartphone market, a category it pioneered in 2019. The new devices are expected to compete with emerging rivals and solidify Samsung's standing in the smartphone industry.