Samsung is pushing the limits of foldable smartphone technology and has confirmed it is working on a tri-fold device which could be brought to market before the end of 2025.
After just launching the impressive Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 devices, Samsung is not resting on its laurels and its research and development team is hard at work looking at new foldable form factors.
In fact, Samsung teased the concept of a tri-fold device – known as the Flex S – at the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona earlier this year.
This was in response to the Huawei Mate X2 tri-fold which was released in 2024.
Minseok Kang, Head of Smartphone Product Planning for Samsung, says the company has created new milestones in design with the Galaxy Z Fold7 but there is still room for more innovation.
“I definitely don’t think this is the final limit even though the Fold7 is a great device,” he told Tech Guide.
“At Samsung we say we should make the impossible possible – that was always the catchphrase of Samsung Mobile.”
Mr Kang went on to say that trifold device – a smartphone with two hinges to unfold to larger tablet size display – is definitely under consideration.
“We are preparing other form factors as well improving the current form factor,” Mr Kang said.
“Regarding the trifold – the RND (research and development) is ongoing.
“When we achieve the completeness and can achieve the user satisfaction and if there is no issue about the mass production then definitely, we will announce that device soon, I think.”
TM Roh, the acting head of Samsung’s Device Experience division says a tri-fold could launch before the end of the year.
“We are working hard on a tri-fold smartphone with the goal of launching it at the end of this year,” Roh told The Korea Times.
“We are now focusing on perfecting the product and its usability, but we have not decided its name.
“As the product nears completion, we are planning to make a final decision soon.”
Industry insiders are calling the upcoming Samsung tri-fold smartphone the Galaxy G Fold.
Many in attendance at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked in Brooklyn, including this writer, thought Samsung would tease the tri-fold device at the event – but instead they decided to focus on the products they are releasing now.
* Stephen Fenech travelled to Brooklyn as a guest of Samsung Australia
