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If you were planning on picking up a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 later this year, you might want to be doubly sure you're purchasing the correct model. According to a new leak, Samsung may be changing how it names its foldables this year, thanks to the release of what we've been referring to as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide.According to Ice Universe, the wider-screen Galaxy foldable is going to be called the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Meanwhile, what should have been the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the successor to the Z Fold 7, is allegedly being called the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Not only is that going to be somewhat confusing, but the name change could also have some serious ramifications for both devices (and their price tags).And I have a sneaking suspicion that the impending release of iPhone Fold may be at least partly responsible.Galaxy foldables are finally getting proper competition
(Image credit: Majin Bu on X)This year is going to be huge for the foldable phone market, and it's arguably going to be the biggest year for the segment since the launch of the original Galaxy Fold back in 2019. And it's all because Apple is expected to release the first foldable iPhone, which is called either the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, depending on who you ask.The only real competition Samsung has had outside China for foldables comes from Google and Motorola, and the stats show that neither of them is selling enough foldables to usurp its position as the maker of the best foldable phones. But considering how successful the iPhone has been, the iPhone Fold is likely to be the first widely available foldable that could cause serious issues for Galaxy Fold sales.The Galaxy Z Fold 7 wasn't quite as iterative as some of its predecessors, notably the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and did come with some much-needed hardware upgrades. The 200MP camera finally made an appearance, and the 4MP under-display camera was removed in favor of a far more capable 10MP hole-punch. The Z Fold 8, or Fold 8 Ultra as it may be called, is said to be upping the ante again with a larger battery and faster charging — two things Samsung's foldables sorely need.But are these upgrades going to be enough to properly compete with an Apple foldable? That's unclear, but some of the leaks and rumors point towards the fact that Samsung does have concerns Apple may beat it at its own game.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.The fact that the Galaxy Z Fold Wide even exists is indicative of that. Various leaks have made it clear that Apple is opting for a wider passport-shaped design with the iPhone Fold, compared to the taller and narrower Z Fold design we've seen until now. The similarities the Z Fold Wide's design has with the iPhone Fold can't be ignored, and just like the release of the TriFold, it feels Samsung is finally coming around to the idea that different designs may be better.Plus, it can't be a coincidence that Samsung might rename the Z Fold 8 as Z Fold 8 Ultra. Even though Samsung has been using Ultra branding on the Galaxy S series for over six years, the sudden decision to add it to a foldable right before Apple does something similar seems fishy.This wouldn't let the Z Fold Wide stand on its own merit
