Samsung could launch a tri-fold Galaxy smartphone by 2025

Samsung’s foldable display business is not meeting the company’s expectations for this year. The company’s conservative approach with its recent launches of the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold lineups appears to be a significant contributing factor. In an attempt to turn its fortunes around, Samsung is reportedly considering launching a tri-fold smartphone in 2025.

Samsung’s foldable OLED display shipments fell short of 2024 expectations

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 arrived this year with very few notable improvements. The devices have a more refined design that is also more solid and resistant compared to previous generations. They also boast the anticipated power improvements that come with using more recent chips. However, other sections remained stagnant. It seems that Samsung bet too much on the Galaxy AI suite of features to attract the public’s attention.

Unfortunately for Samsung, its commercial strategy for this year’s foldable Galaxy phones did not turn out as expected. Samsung’s optimistic projections involved shipping up to 20 million OLED panels by 2024. However, the company had to significantly reduce its expectations to just 12 million units, representing a 40% drop from forecasts. In turn, the 12 million panels represent a 10% drop from estimates for foldable panel shipments for 2023.

Samsung is reportedly considering a tri-fold smartphone to buck the trend

According to South Korean media, Samsung is looking for ways to turn the situation around by 2025. One of the options being considered would be the launch of a tri-fold smartphone next year. As a pioneer in the foldable screen segment, Samsung would already be more than prepared for such a project. However, the final decision will come from the Samsung MX division. There are probably multiple profitability parameters to study before beginning product development.

By now, Samsung was expecting to sell around 10 million units of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 devices. However, the report indicates that shipments have only reached approximately 8 million units. It remains to be seen whether Samsung will opt for a more innovative approach to both lines by 2025. Competition, especially from China, is becoming increasingly fierce.

Huawei has a head start, but Samsung has a key advantage outside China

Huawei launched a tri-fold smartphone earlier than Samsung in the consumer market. The device will even be released outside China in the first quarter of 2025. So, Samsung already has a direct rival before it launches its own alternative. In any case, the South Korean giant has an advantage in global markets due to its native support for the Google Play Store and services.