Samsung resurrects fold: new trifold and slide phones in the works

Samsung appears to be reviving its foldable ambitions after a swift abandonment of the Galaxy Z TriFold. Sources indicate development is underway for a successor, potentially alongside a novel sliding smartphone.

Samsung eyes foldable smartphone comeback

Just three months after launching the Galaxy Z TriFold, Samsung reportedly began work on a next-generation device. Korean leaker yeux1122, citing information from Naver, suggests a Galaxy Z TriFold 2 is in development, with a possible release in mid-2027. A prototype for a sliding smartphone, potentially Samsung's first of its kind, is also reportedly being explored, with a possible 2028 launch.

The Galaxy Z TriFold 2 is rumored to feature a lighter, thinner hinge. While the device itself might be thicker than its predecessor and the Galaxy Z Fold 7, this could address manufacturing complexities that plagued the original.

This renewed interest hints at a shift in Samsung’s strategy. Earlier whispers suggested the first TriFold was a one-off experiment. However, a redesigned, more easily produced version could prove commercially viable, particularly as a counter to competitors like Huawei.

The move is noteworthy amid a broader memory cost crisis impacting the industry. Many manufacturers are prioritizing safer, more profitable ventures. Samsung's continued investment in foldable Technology signals a willingness to embrace risk.

Neither the TriFold 2 nor the sliding phone are expected to become mainstream hits, but their development underscores the industry’s ongoing exploration of form factors. Samsung's persistent pursuit of foldable designs isn't a whim; it's a calculated bet on future device evolution.