Samsung reportedly working on a tri-fold smartphone to launch by 2025

In 2019, Samsung made waves by introducing the Galaxy Fold—the world’s first commercially available foldable phone. Competitors like Huawei, Honor, and Motorola quickly followed with their own foldable versions, and even Apple is rumored to be working on one.

For years, Samsung maintained a firm grip on the global foldable market. However, this dominance faced a significant challenge in Q1 2024, when Huawei overtook Samsung as the top foldable smartphone maker. It subsequently launched the world’s first tri-fold phone–the Mate XT–in September, adding to the competitive pressure.

Now, Samsung appears to be preparing a response as reports suggest that the company is considering launching a triple-screen foldable phone as early as 2025.

If this comes to fruition, it would be Samsung’s answer to Huawei’s Mate XT, which currently leads the foldable innovation race with its unique tri-fold design.

Although no official announcement has been made, ZDNet Korea indicates that Samsung Display and its partners are ready to begin production. However, the final decision rests with Samsung Electronics’ MX division, which oversees mobile products.

Moreover, the circumstances surrounding this potential release could also be crucial to consider. According to ZDNet Korea, despite being a trailblazer in foldable technology, Samsung’s latest foldable models—the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6—fell short of sales expectations in 2024.

Initially, the company had forecasted sales of 20 million OLED panels for its foldables but had to lower that figure to 12 million. With competition from Chinese manufacturers heating up, Samsung may view the tri-fold design as an opportunity to regain momentum and reaffirm its leadership in the foldable market.

However, entering the tri-fold arena brings its own set of challenges. Designing a reliable and practical triple-screen foldable is no small feat. Samsung has already faced criticism for the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is bulkier than foldable offerings from brands like Huawei and Honor.

Adding an extra screen and hinge introduces more complexity—two hinges, multiple creases, and an exposed screen increase the risk of wear and tear. Additionally, making the device slim enough to be practical for everyday use will be a key challenge for Samsung as it tries to deliver a product that can compete with sleeker models.

Despite these potential hurdles, Samsung holds a major advantage—its access to Google services, which Huawei currently lacks due to restrictions. While Huawei may have been first to market with a tri-fold phone, Samsung’s global reach and Google Play Store integration could make it a strong competitor if it moves forward with the device.

Although Samsung’s plans remain unconfirmed, exploring the tri-fold design, to me, shows the company’s commitment to innovation. As competition intensifies and consumer demand grows, Samsung’s next move could shape the future of foldable technology.