Two days after Apple unveiled its first foldable, Samsung fired back — not with a spec sheet, but with a punchline. And the punchline’s name? Tim Cook.
No, not that Tim Cook. Samsung New Zealand’s Instagram just dropped a cheeky promo for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 starring a real, ordinary man named Tim Cook from Palmerston North — and the internet is loving the mix-up.
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The Ad That’s Playing With Apple’s Own Name
The caption says it all: “Tim Cook has an announcement. And for once, it’s about Galaxy.” In the clip, this New Zealand-based Tim Cook sits casually on a stool, holding the Z Fold 8, walking viewers through the phone folded (“nice and compact”) and unfolded (a wider, roomier display for everything from streaming to multitasking). Text overlays flash “Amazing AI” as he taps through the interface, before he signs off with two lines dripping in irony: “How about that?” and “You can quote me.”
The timing isn’t a coincidence. Apple introduced its long-rumored iPhone Duo — its first foldable — on September 9, 2026, at its “Surprise and Shine” event. Samsung’s homophone-powered clapback landed just two days later, turning a coincidental name into a full-blown marketing moment.
Why This Ad Works
| Element | What Samsung Did |
|---|---|
| Timing | Released 2 days after Apple’s iPhone Duo foldable debut |
| Star | A genuine Tim Cook — no relation to Apple’s CEO — from Palmerston North, NZ |
| Key visual | Galaxy Z Fold 8 shown folded (compact) vs. unfolded (wide display) |
| Tagline hook | “How about that? You can quote me.” |
| Platform | Instagram, via Samsung New Zealand’s official account |
This isn’t Samsung’s first swing at Apple’s expense. It follows a broader “Welcome to Foldables” campaign that lit up Times Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Shibuya just before Apple’s own event — a not-so-subtle reminder that Samsung has led the foldable category for seven years running.
FAQ
1. Is the “Tim Cook” in Samsung’s ad really Apple’s CEO?
No — it’s a private individual from Palmerston North, New Zealand, who happens to share the name.
2. What phone is being promoted?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, part of Samsung’s 2026 foldable lineup alongside the Z Flip 8.
3. Why did Samsung time this ad now?
It dropped right after Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable phone, making the name-play extra pointed.
4. Where can I watch the ad?
On Samsung New Zealand’s official Instagram account.
5. Is this part of a bigger Samsung campaign?
Yes — it ties into Samsung’s global “Welcome to Foldables” push across major cities worldwide.
Samsung’s rivalry with Apple has always made for great theatre — and foldables are shaping up to be the next big battleground. Keep it locked to TechnoSports Tech for more on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the iPhone Duo, and everything shaping the foldable phone wars.
