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Samsung's Next-Gen Foldable Phone Strategy
Samsung Electronics has announced plans to release a groundbreaking tri-fold smartphone before the end of 2025. Roh Tae-moon, acting head of the company's Device Experience Division, revealed the ambitious timeline during a press conference at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in Brooklyn. This innovation represents a significant evolution beyond Samsung's current foldable offerings like the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series.
Design and Functionality
The tri-fold device will incorporate two hinges, allowing it to transform from a compact smartphone form factor into a tablet-sized display. This design enables multiple usage modes: standard phone mode, mini-tablet mode with one fold extended, and full tablet mode. Samsung's engineers are optimizing the Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) technology to withstand the complex folding mechanism while minimizing crease visibility.
Market Context
Samsung dominates the global foldable phone market with approximately 80% share in Q1 2025 according to Counterpoint Research. The tri-fold phone represents Samsung's strategy to maintain technological leadership amid increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi. Industry analysts project the foldable market will exceed 100 million units annually by 2026.
Technical Challenges
Developing the tri-fold device presents significant engineering hurdles. Durability remains the primary concern, with rigorous testing underway for hinge mechanisms rated for over 300,000 folds. Battery compartmentalization and software optimization for multiple screen ratios also present challenges. Samsung's One UI team is developing adaptive interface technology that automatically adjusts content layout based on folding configuration.
Strategic Importance
The announcement signals Samsung's commitment to foldable technology as a core growth driver. "We see foldables as the future of smartphone innovation," Roh stated. The premium-priced tri-fold device will target enterprise users and content creators, positioning it above Samsung's existing foldable lineup. Production will leverage Samsung Display's new Gen 8 OLED production lines optimized for foldable panels.
Future Outlook
While Roh didn't disclose pricing, analysts estimate the tri-fold phone could retail between $1,800-$2,200. Market reception will influence Samsung's development of additional form factors, including rollable displays. The company expects foldables to comprise 30% of its flagship smartphone revenue by 2026.
