Rumors are swirling that Samsung might release a groundbreaking tri-fold smartphone as early as next year. After leading the foldable market with its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, Samsung is reportedly ready to push boundaries further with a device that can fold in three parts. This new form factor could offer even more screen real estate and versatility, appealing to users looking for a device that combines the functionality of a smartphone and tablet in a single package.
However, recent reports indicate that the sales of Samsung’s foldables, particularly the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, have not met expectations, impacting demand for foldable OLED panels. Due to these disappointing sales, the demand for Samsung’s foldable OLED panels has dropped by over 10%. Samsung Display’s shipments of these panels are now estimated to reach only 12 million units in 2024, a sharp 40% decline from the 20 million units shipped the previous year.
This decline is not unique to Samsung; other brands using Samsung’s foldable panels, such as Xiaomi, vivo, and Oppo, are also experiencing similar challenges. Sales of the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 are expected to hit just 8 million units, well below the original forecast of 10 million units. This downtrend in foldable device sales, across both new and previous models, has been observed year over year, indicating a potential cooling off in the foldable market.
In response to this downturn, Samsung is reportedly considering launching a more affordable Galaxy Flip model to make foldable technology accessible to a broader range of consumers. With increasing competition from brands like Huawei and Google, Samsung appears to be exploring strategies to retain its lead while appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
While the exact launch date and details of the tri-fold device remain unconfirmed, industry insiders believe Samsung could introduce it alongside the next Galaxy Z Fold and Flip models. The addition of a tri-fold phone might attract renewed interest in foldables, potentially revitalizing Samsung’s hold in the competitive, evolving market for innovative mobile devices.
