Rosé Seen Using an iPhone 18—Samsung Responds: ‘You Should Have Consulted Us for a Genuine Phone’

The recent social media activity involving BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Apple’s newly launched iPhone 18 Pro has set off a wave of intrigue.

In a surprising turn of events, Samsung Electronics’ official account engaged directly with Rosé’s post, amplifying the ongoing rivalry between two major tech giants.

Notably, Rosé has previously served as a global ambassador for Samsung’s Galaxy series, which adds another layer to this brand contest.

On October 9, Rosé posted a mirror selfie showcasing the iPhone 18 Pro, with a caption claiming, “iPhone, New Trick, check this out.”

This post not only featured the iconic device but also aligned with the upcoming release of her new single, “New Trick,” scheduled for launch on the 18th as part of her collaboration with Apple.

Samsung’s Canadian account made a swift comeback, commenting, “If you needed a real phone you could have just asked us,” a retort that quickly amassed over 280,000 likes and circulated widely across the internet.

Rosé’s prior association with Samsung has been reignited in light of these developments. In 2019, she was a prominent global ambassador for the Galaxy A series, joining her fellow BLACKPINK members.

The fact that Samsung reacted directly to her appearance with an Apple device has been lauded as an example of “clever brand rivalry.”

Samsung has a history of playful jabs at Apple, particularly in recent months. Following Apple’s introduction of its first foldable phone, the “iPhone Duo,” Samsung Mobile’s U.S. X account quipped, “Let us know when you’re done reheating our leftovers,” alluding to Apple’s perceived imitation of Samsung’s innovations.

They further asserted, “We’ll be over here folding three times,” promoting their tri-fold smartphone, the “Tri-Fold.”

In an amusing twist, Samsung gifted a Galaxy Z Fold 8 to a New Zealand resident named Tim Cook — sharing a name with Apple’s CEO — and cheekily remarked, “Tim Cook has switched to a Galaxy phone.”

They continued, clarifying, “Yes, that Tim Cook. Tim Cook from Palmerston North,” followed by, “Which Tim Cook were you thinking of?” This clever play on names transformed an ordinary local into an unlikely ambassador for Samsung.

A Confrontation in the Foldable Arena

On October 9, Apple unveiled its highly anticipated foldable iPhone, the “iPhone Duo,” during a launch event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California.

This marks the debut of Apple’s first foldable design in 19 years since the original iPhone’s introduction in 2007.

In stark contrast, Samsung had already made strides in this arena with the launch of its inaugural Galaxy Fold in 2019, expanding its foldable offerings subsequently through the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series.

Starting at $1,999, the iPhone Duo is priced approximately $100 more than the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s $1,899.99 (about 2.6 million won).

With a weight of around 9 ounces, it is heftier compared to the Fold 8’s 7 ounces, and its folded form is thicker.

Nonetheless, various international media evaluations suggest the iPhone Duo has resolved certain issues that the eighth-generation foldable from Samsung has yet to address.

Pre-order dates are set for October 16 in roughly 70 countries, including Japan, with the official release to follow on October 23. In Japan, the 256GB model will be available at a starting price of ¥364,800 (approximately $2,400).

A detailed comparison showcasing essential specifications for both devices is as follows.

Noteworthy is the difference in inner display design. While the Galaxy Z Fold 8 incorporates punch-holes for two 10-megapixel cameras on both the inner and outer screens, the iPhone Duo discreetly conceals its front camera beneath the panel, diminishing visual interruptions when enjoying videos or images.

Support for stylus input differentiates the devices further. Samsung had earlier incorporated S Pen functionality in its initial Galaxy Z Fold models but later withdrew it for the eighth generation.

Conversely, the iPhone Duo accommodates the Apple Pencil, enabling handwriting on both the 5.4-inch outer display and the 7.6-inch inner display, though full dual-screen compatibility will launch following a software update later this year.

Dust resistance ratings highlight a marked divergence; the iPhone Duo boasts an IP68 classification, offering complete dust protection.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s IP48 rating results in a comparatively higher susceptibility to fine particles or sand, a vital consideration for individuals utilizing foldables in outdoor or sandy locales.

Storage capacity also favors the iPhone Duo, facilitating up to 2TB — double that of the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s 1TB. This advantage serves creators managing 4K video content or substantial image files.

Lastly, the design approach to screen creasing — a longstanding challenge in foldable devices — has been tackled with distinct methods.

Apple has implemented a hinge design that covers a nano-textured matte layer over smoothly bonded glass, reinforced with a titanium plate.

Initial impressions from select media suggest that while the crease remains observable, it is less pronounced than that of competitors, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8. However, concrete assessments will only emerge once the product hits the market.

Evolving Trends in the Foldable Market

A recently updated report from market research firm IDC, dated October 8, anticipates a 12.6% increase in global foldable smartphone shipments by 2026.

Importantly, the report notes that the foldable market would have experienced a significant downturn without Apple’s entry, indicating that Apple played a critical role in revitalizing the entire segment.

Furthermore, the report forecasts that Apple will ship over 17 million foldable iPhones by 2027, seizing approximately 40% of the global foldable market, with average selling prices possibly exceeding $2,550 and comprising more than half of the category’s total worth.

This evidence suggests that a product less than two years old could challenge for market supremacy alongside Huawei and Samsung.

A New Era in Brand Marketing

Samsung’s witty response to Rosé’s post transcends mere humor. With Apple’s entry into the foldable market, the competitive landscape between these two powerhouses is evolving, extending beyond technical specifications into the realms of marketing and brand engagement.

For years, Samsung Electronics possessed a near-monopoly in the foldable segment, facing no substantial competition since its debut in 2019.

However, with Apple’s entrance altering this dynamic, Samsung is now focusing on highlighting its technological superiority while simultaneously enhancing its brand presence through direct engagement on social platforms.

The incident involving Rosé exemplifies this shift. The sight of a global icon promoting Apple products, previously affiliated with Samsung, underscores the fluidity of brand loyalty.

Samsung’s clever, humorous response from its official account is perceived as a strategic attempt to transform a potentially awkward moment into a marketing goldmine.

A seasoned industry insider remarked, “Previously, it was infrequent for corporate accounts to respond directly to competitors or celebrities, but there is a growing trend recognizing that a brand’s human touch can effectively engage consumers.”

The insider added, “Such interactions on platforms favored by younger audiences tend to achieve greater virality than traditional advertising.”

In response, Apple is also executing a content marketing strategy revolving around Rosé. The synergy between the new single “New Trick” and the iPhone 18 Pro exemplifies Apple’s classic technique of intertwining product launches with entertainment to capture attention.

The rivalry is escalating on every front — encompassing product specifications, content narratives, and brand communications.

Source link: Finance.biggo.com.