Samsung Brutally Roasts Apple's iPhone 18 and iPhone Duo as 'Reheated Leftovers' in Viral Launch Takedown

Samsung turned Apple's biggest hardware event of the year into an opportunity for a relentless social media roast, firing off a string of posts mocking the new iPhone 18 Pro and first-ever foldable iPhone Duo.

As Apple unveiled its latest devices during its 'Surprise and Shine' event on Wednesday, Samsung Mobile US suggested its rival was recycling familiar ideas, delivering perhaps its sharpest jab after the foldable appeared: 'Let us know when you're done reheating our leftovers.'

Samsung Calls iPhone Duo 'Reheated Leftovers'

The iPhone Duo represents Apple's long-awaited entrance into the foldable smartphone market, but Samsung wasted little time reminding consumers that it has been selling folding phones since the original Galaxy Fold arrived in 2019.

Apple's new foldable features a 5.4-inch outer display that opens into a 7.6-inch screen and starts at $1,999 (£1,475). Pre-orders begin on 16 October before the phone goes on sale on 23 October.

Samsung had already begun mocking the event before Apple reached its biggest announcement, posting: 'So far, so same. #ItsTimeToSwitch.'

Once the iPhone Duo appeared, Samsung followed with its 'reheating our leftovers' remark, an apparent reference to Apple entering a category in which Samsung has competed for years.

Samsung did not directly name Apple, the iPhone or any other competitor in these posts. However, their timing during Apple's event and repeated references to foldable technology led fans and media outlets to interpret them as swipes at the iPhone maker.

Samsung Boasts It Is Already 'Folding 3 Ways'

Samsung did not wait for the iPhone Duo to be unveiled before bringing foldables into the fight.

'Making us wait? Fine. We'll be over here, folding 3 ways,' Samsung Mobile US posted during the presentation.

The remark referenced Samsung's work on multi-folding devices and contrasted it with Apple's first book-style foldable.

Samsung also mocked the presentation more broadly, writing: 'Was there range? No. Was it exciting? No. Did it happen? Yes. #ItsTimeToSwitch.'

iPhone 18 Pro Design Gets Samsung Treatment

The iPhone 18 Pro did not escape Samsung's attention either.

As Apple presented its new Pro line-up, Samsung posted: 'It's feeling very familiar. Is this a Sims sequel...', appearing to suggest the latest design looked too similar to previous iPhones.

Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max bring upgraded cameras, graphics and performance, powered by the A20 Pro chip. The phones start at $1,199 (£885) and $1,299 (£960), respectively, after a $100 (£74) price increase.

Samsung also took aim at accessories, posting: 'Accessories? It's giving condiments and no food. #ItsTimeToSwitch.'

Duolingo Joins Samsung's Apple Roast

The trolling took another turn when Samsung dragged Duolingo into the exchange over Apple's decision to call its foldable the 'iPhone Duo.'

'I'm so sorry, @Duolingo. They copied us too #Solidarity,' Samsung wrote.

Duolingo fired back with a reference to a viral meme, writing: 'when an ugly stranger calls you twin,' while adding a 'No Brand' jab.

Samsung even targeted the iPhone Duo's use as a bedside clock, posting: 'Not the bed side clock. It's giving groundhog day.'

The barrage continued Samsung's long-running strategy of using Apple launches as opportunities to promote its own Galaxy devices, but this year's arrival of Apple's first foldable gave the rivalry fresh ammunition.