[News] Samsung Confirms First Tri-Fold Phone by Year-End, Initial Shipments May Be Limited

As noted by TechNews, citing Chosun Daily, Roh Tae-moon, Acting DX Division Head of Samsung Electronics, stated that Samsung’s first tri-fold smartphone is expected to launch before the end of this year. The report adds that Roh said the device has entered the “final stages” of development.

In addition, TechNews suggests the device, reportedly called the Galaxy Z TriFold, may launch in limited quantities in select markets. KBench reports that Samsung is said to have cut initial production from 200,000 units to about 50,000, with sales likely restricted to Korea and China. The move is seen as a way to test demand for the new form factor, the report adds.

The Galaxy Z TriFold is rumored to feature a dual-hinge design that allows the display to fold fully inward for protection. The device reportedly will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and include a camera system similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, according to South Korean outlet KBench.

Ahead of Samsung, Huawei was first to market with a tri-fold device, unveiling the Mate XT in September last year. The model drew explosive attention with about 6.5 million pre-orders in just two weeks, as noted by Korea Herald.

Rising Challenges for Samsung in Foldables

According to TrendForce, Samsung currently leads the foldable segment and has launched its next-generation flagship, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with significant improvements in hinge design. However, TrendForce notes that rising competition from other brands is eroding Samsung’s dominance, with its global market share projected to fall from 45.2% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025.

The foldable market could face new dynamics with Apple’s expected entry. TrendForce projects that if Apple launches its first foldable device in the second half of 2026, market penetration will climb from 1.6% in 2025 to over 3% by 2027. Such a move would mark a shift toward mainstream adoption, with competition centered on manufacturing efficiency, cost control, and supply chain integration.

TrendForce also points out that Huawei is expected to maintain strong momentum in China and secure the second-largest global share of foldable phones at 34.3% in 2025.

Read more

• [News] Huawei’s Bold Return: Mate XTs Debuts Kirin 9020 After Four Years of Chip Silence
• Standardized Hinges and Apple’s Entry Expected to Push Foldable Phone Penetration Beyond 3% by 2027, Says TrendForce

(Photo credit: Samsung)