Industry insiders from Korea have revealed that Samsung is gearing up to launch its highly anticipated tri-fold smartphone in 2025. The company has already developed the technology, and its supply chain is prepared for the rollout. However, the final decision lies with Samsung’s MX (Mobile eXperience) Division, which oversees the development and launch of the company’s foldable phones.
Samsung’s Supply Chain Ready for Tri-Fold Smartphone
Reports suggest that Samsung is ready to introduce a groundbreaking tri-fold smartphone, marking a significant evolution in foldable technology. The device, which folds into three sections, could redefine mobile multitasking and media consumption. Despite this, the decision to proceed with mass production and release has not yet been finalized, and the market’s reception to other foldable products may influence the launch.
According to sources, Samsung is cautious due to recent performance data showing that demand for its current foldable models—the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6—has been underwhelming. This hesitation comes at a time when the market for foldable smartphones appears to be cooling down.
Decreased Orders for OLED Panels
Samsung Display, the company’s manufacturing arm, is projecting a significant decline in foldable OLED panel shipments for 2024. The company is expected to ship around 12 million panels next year, a sharp 40% drop from the 20 million units shipped in 2023. This includes screens for both Samsung devices and other manufacturers like Xiaomi, vivo, and Oppo, who rely on Samsung as a supplier.
The lower-than-expected sales of the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 models are largely responsible for the reduction in demand. Initially, Samsung forecasted sales of 10 million units for these devices, but actual figures now point to about 8 million units sold. This downturn is part of a broader trend of declining sales in both new and older models in the foldable phone market.
Market Competition: Huawei and Google
The market for foldable smartphones has become increasingly competitive, with key players like Huawei and Google introducing their own models. The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, a tri-fold smartphone, and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold are among the competitors vying for market share. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6, although innovative, has not been able to meet the high sales expectations, partly due to this rising competition.
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, in particular, offers a tri-fold design that could challenge Samsung’s forthcoming device. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold, while a dual-fold design, is also attracting attention, particularly for its seamless software integration with the Android ecosystem.
Samsung’s Strategy: A Cheaper Galaxy Flip?
In response to the decreasing demand for its high-end foldable phones, Samsung is reportedly exploring the possibility of launching a more affordable Galaxy Flip model. This move is aimed at making foldable devices more accessible to a wider audience, potentially revitalizing interest in the category. By lowering the price point, Samsung could expand its reach in the foldable market, which has so far been dominated by premium-priced devices.
Such a strategy could help Samsung counteract the overall sales decline in its foldable segment. The company may use the cheaper Galaxy Flip as a stepping stone to generate consumer interest ahead of the potential 2025 launch of the tri-fold smartphone.
Conclusion
Samsung’s potential launch of a tri-fold smartphone in 2025 could be a game changer for the foldable device market. However, the company faces significant challenges, including declining demand for its current foldable models and increased competition from rivals like Huawei and Google. With a potential strategy to introduce a more affordable Galaxy Flip, Samsung is looking to expand its audience and reignite interest in foldable technology. Whether the tri-fold smartphone will successfully reverse the declining trend in foldable sales remains to be seen.
