Samsung's tri-fold phone may arrive in early 2026

Samsung is reportedly set to shake up its foldable smartphone lineup. Multiple reports indicate that the company is working on a tri-fold device, as well as a more affordable version of the Galaxy Z Flip. The brand’s main flexible-screen smartphones could even become larger next year. That said, it seems that Samsung’s first tri-fold phone will take a little longer to arrive than expected, with 2026 as a tentative date.

Samsung Display is one of the company’s divisions that posted disappointing financial results this year. The South Korean giant expected higher sale volumes for foldable displays. However, lower-than-expected demand for the latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, in addition to strong competition from Chinese suppliers prevented Samsung from reaching its goal. The tri-fold device is part of the brand’s strategy to try to turn the situation around.

Samsung could launch its first Galaxy trifold phone in early 2026

Reports regarding the upcoming device claimed that it will arrive sometime in 2025. However, Ross Young, a reputable analyst in the display industry, does not think so. In response to a user on X/Twitter, Young said that the Samsung tri-fold will arrive in “early 2026,” without offering any further details on the matter. So, the Huawei Mate XT’s direct competition will have to wait, maintaining the exclusivity of its form factor for a longer time.

That said, Samsung will offer a large catalog of foldable phones next year. According to leaks, the company has plans to launch a more affordable Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE and a Galaxy Z Fold 7 SE, in addition to the Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7. Plus, the company will use larger screens in the latter two. The same source claims that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will have a 6.85-inch display. On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s screen could grow to 8 inches, matching the current Korea-exclusive Galaxy Z Fold SE.

The foldable phone market will recover in 2026

The analyst estimates that 2025 will be another year of decline in shipments for foldable phones. However, 2026 could emerge as the year of recovery for this particular market niche. Young projects a growth of around 30% of the foldable devices market in 2026. The launch of Apple’s first foldable mobile device would also help this.