Apple’s new iPhone Duo, unveiled on September 9, carries an IP68 rating while Samsung’s current foldables are rated IP48, marking a notable lead for Apple on foldable ingress protection.
Samsung has slowly improved foldable IP ratings over recent years, progressing from the IPX8-rated Galaxy Z Fold 3 to the IP48-rated Galaxy Z Fold 6; the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 is also IP48-rated. Apple, by contrast, launched its first foldable with an IP68 rating—the same level found on regular non-foldable premium phones from both companies.
IP48 vs IP68: what it means for foldables
The trailing digit 8 indicates that both the iPhone Duo and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 are rated for water resistance when fully submerged. Apple states the iPhone Duo can survive a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes; Samsung rates its foldables for a maximum depth of 1.5 meters.
The middle digits 4 and 6 denote dust protection. An IP4(8) rating means the Galaxy Z Fold 8 should resist ingress of solid objects larger than 1 mm. An IP6(8) rating means the iPhone Duo is dust-tight, offering stronger protection against particulate ingress.
Dust protection matters for foldables because small particles can slip through hinge gaps, potentially accumulating behind the foldable panel and causing bumps or permanent damage. While modern IP48-rated Galaxy foldables no longer appear to have this as a major issue, Apple reaching IP68 on its first foldable is notable given the design’s greater vulnerability.
Samsung will most likely follow Apple’s example and eventually bring IP68 to its foldables—maybe even next year—but it is too early to know for sure.
