Samsung is exploring the possibility of launching its innovative “tri-fold” smartphone in the United States, marking a significant milestone as it would be the first of its kind in the U.S. market. This move comes as Samsung aims to rejuvenate interest in what was once a cutting-edge product but has now become a staple in everyday life. According to a source familiar with the company's strategy, discussions about a U.S. release are ongoing, with the anticipated launch set for later this year.
Historically, Samsung has limited the release of new product lines to select markets, such as South Korea and China. For instance, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE was exclusively launched in these regions last year. In contrast, the potential release of the tri-fold smartphone in the United States could signify a broader market approach for Samsung, especially as competitors like Huawei already offer similar products, albeit without U.S. availability.
The timing of this potential release is crucial, as both Samsung and Apple, along with other manufacturers, are actively experimenting with novel designs to captivate consumers. The challenge is growing, as people are keeping their phones longer, and analysts are beginning to speculate whether new AI devices might eventually replace traditional smartphones. In a related development, Apple is set to unveil the iPhone Air on Friday, which represents its first major redesign in nearly a decade, and plans to introduce its first foldable phone by 2026, as reported by Bloomberg.
Samsung launched its seventh generation of foldable phones during the summer and is gearing up to release a new version of the slimmer Galaxy S Edge smartphone next year. Notably, Samsung and Apple together account for approximately 35% of global smartphone shipments, positioning them as industry leaders and trendsetters. Drew Blackard, senior vice president of mobile product management for Samsung Electronics America, remarked in an interview that there seems to be a shift back to the diverse form factors of older cell phones, suggesting a renewed consumer interest in variety.
The upcoming tri-fold device, which is designed to fold in two places, aims to offer a significantly larger screen compared to Samsung's current foldable phones. This innovation is expected to be the most radical change in Samsung's smartphone lineup since the introduction of its first foldable phone in 2019. While Samsung has been tight-lipped about specific details regarding the device, the launch is anticipated by the end of this year.
Samsung has not disclosed specific details about the tri-fold's market availability or launch timing. However, Minseok Kang, Samsung's global head of smartphone product planning, confirmed that the 2025 launch timeline remains on track. He considers the successes of the current Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series, which saw a 25% increase in preorders compared to their predecessors, as stepping stones toward the introduction of a tri-fold phone that could provide a "much larger screen than before."
Although the executives did not reveal the exact size of the tri-fold screen, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 boasts an impressive eight-inch display when unfolded, slightly smaller than an iPad Mini. Samsung's design philosophy emphasizes innovation; Blackard stated, "We don’t want to offer the exact same experience in a slightly different form factor." The company has showcased concepts for devices that fold into thirds at various trade shows, such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), including prototypes like the Flex G and Flex S.
Samsung's tri-fold smartphone may cater to a niche market and could be priced similarly to the Galaxy Z Fold, which has only recently begun gaining traction among consumers. Blackard noted that Samsung's foldable phones attract a significant percentage of non-Samsung phone users, indicating a potential to draw customers away from competing brands. In the upcoming Galaxy S lineup, Samsung is also preparing to launch a sequel to the Galaxy S25 Edge, likely to debut in the first quarter of next year.
Despite the excitement surrounding new designs, the question remains whether slimmer models and innovative features will be enough to significantly boost sales. Reports suggest that sales for the Galaxy S25 Edge have not met expectations, raising questions about the viability of Samsung's design direction.
There has been speculation regarding the emergence of smartphones with no charging ports, a concept that Apple is reportedly considering for the iPhone Air. While such a design could allow for thinner devices, Blackard acknowledged that wireless chargers are not yet widely available in public spaces, which could hinder consumer adoption. Interestingly, Samsung has also internally discussed the idea of a port-free phone, but no concrete plans have materialized.
As Samsung continues to innovate, the focus remains on creating slim and foldable phones, even as such devices currently represent a small fraction of the overall smartphone market. According to market research from the International Data Corporation, foldable phone shipments are projected to reach 45.7 million units by 2028, while an estimated 1.2 billion smartphones were shipped worldwide in 2024.
Blackard concluded by emphasizing that the industry is witnessing a shift away from the traditional bar-type smartphone design. "For the first time, you’re seeing innovation come to the market that is making consumers think differently about their traditional needs from a mobile device," he stated, underscoring Samsung's commitment to leading in smartphone innovation.
