{
  "id": 867526,
  "title": "iFixit showed the shocking damage dust can do to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — and the iPhone Ultra needs to solve this",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/ifixit-showed-the-shocking-damage-dust-can-do-to-the-samsung-galaxy-z",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-14T11:54:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/phones/ifixit-showed-the-shocking-damage-dust-can-do-to-the-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-and-the-iphone-ultra-needs-to-solve-this"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "iFixit recently examined the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, revealing a concerning vulnerability to dust and sand particles within the phone's hinge. The device's IP48 rating provides water resistance but leaves it susceptible to smaller particles, which can infiltrate its hinge and cause significant damage. During testing, iFixit dusted the foldable with sand and UV-reactive particles, which caused the hinge to produce grinding noises and hindered the phone from opening properly.\n\nThe issue arises from the hinge's numerous moving components, making it easier for dust to infiltrate and cause problems. While Samsung's internal seals effectively protected the batteries and other electronic components, they weren't enough to safeguard the hinge. This weakness could spell disaster for the foldable's overall functionality, as the hinge is a crucial part of its design.\n\nThe findings may raise concerns about Apple's upcoming iPhone Ultra, which is also expected to feature a foldable design. Apple has yet to reveal its IP rating for the iPhone Ultra, but given Samsung's experience, it's reasonable to suspect that the iPhone Ultra could face similar dust-related challenges if it doesn't implement effective protective measures.\n\nThe upcoming September launch of the iPhone Ultra will be a critical moment for both companies. Until then, it remains to be seen if either device will develop a suitable solution to prevent dust ingress, which could significantly impact their long-term durability and user experience.",
  "summary": "iFixit tore down the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and discovered the huge damage dust can do to its hinge.",
  "key_points": [
    "iFixit found dust easily enters Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 hinge.",
    "Dust causes grinding noises and hinders phone opening.",
    "iPhone Ultra may face similar dust issues without protective measures."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Lowyat.NET",
        "title": "iFixit Tears Down Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8; Gives It Provisional 4/10",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/ifixit-tears-down-samsung-galaxy-z-fold8-gives-it-provisional-4-10",
        "published": "2026-08-14T08:36:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Android Authority",
        "title": "Samsung Galaxy phone allegedly explodes in pocket, marking fourth incident this year",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/samsung-galaxy-phone-allegedly-explodes-in-pocket-marking-fourth",
        "published": "2026-08-14T15:19:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Mashable",
        "title": "Samsung reportedly set to ditch this potential Galaxy S27 camera feature",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/samsung-reportedly-set-to-ditch-this-potential-galaxy-s27-camera",
        "published": "2026-08-14T15:36:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}