iPhone Duo Pre-orders Open as Samsung Slashes Smartphone Prices
iPhone Duo: Apple’s First Move in the Foldable Market
The tech world is currently focused on the iPhone Duo, Apple's debut foldable smartphone. Long the subject of industry rumours, the device is now officially available for pre-order. However, demand in the opening hours was so significant that the manufacturer has already delayed shipping dates until the end of January 2027.
The iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch internal foldable display alongside a 5.4-inch outer panel. It is powered by the A20 Pro chipset, while its photographic capabilities are driven by a dual rear camera system. The device starts at £1,999 for the 256GB model.
Competition and Discounts: Samsung and Google Respond
As consumers await Apple's latest release, Samsung has decided to significantly reduce prices across its own foldable smartphone lineup. The discounts on the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra are substantial: the 512GB version of the Ultra has been reduced by £560, while the price of the standard Z Fold8 has dropped by £370. Both models are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.
Price cuts have also extended to the Galaxy S26 series. The Ultra model is now £490 cheaper, while the base S26 has seen a £370 price reduction. Notably, the S26 and S26+ models utilise the Exynos 2600 processor and feature triple-camera systems.
Google has also joined the fray by announcing promotions for the Pixel 11 series. The price of the Pixel 11 has been reduced to £130, while discounts on the Pro and Pro XL models range between £80 and £180. All models in this series run on the Tensor G6 chipset and Android 17.
What This Means for Consumers
Competition in the smartphone market has intensified dramatically. Apple’s entry into the foldable segment is expected to drive further innovation, while the discounts offered by Samsung and Google provide consumers with greater freedom of choice. Although official sales are currently focused on the European market, these models are expected to arrive in Georgia soon, where competitive pricing will likely influence local retail networks.