Samsung Eyes US Launch of First-Ever Tri-Fold Smartphone
Samsung is weighing the possibility of launching its upcoming tri-fold smartphone in the United States — a first for the American market and a bold step in redefining mobile innovation. If approved, the release would mark Samsung’s most radical smartphone redesign since its debut foldable in 2019.
A Major Shift in Smartphone Strategy
According to a source familiar with the company’s plans, Samsung is still finalizing launch markets for the device, which is expected later this year. A U.S. debut would be significant, as Samsung has often limited new product lines to regions like South Korea and China. For instance, last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE was restricted to select Asian markets.
While Chinese rival Huawei already offers a tri-fold device, U.S. consumers have never had access to it due to sales restrictions. Samsung’s move could therefore open a new chapter in the American smartphone market.
Competing With Apple’s Big Moves
The timing of Samsung’s tri-fold discussions coincides with renewed competition from Apple. The iPhone maker is set to release the iPhone Air, its biggest redesign in nearly a decade, and is rumored to be working on its own foldable, potentially launching by 2026.
Together, Apple and Samsung control roughly 35% of global smartphone shipments, making their design choices key indicators of where the market is heading.
Inside Samsung’s Boldest Design Yet
The tri-fold will fold in two places, offering a display larger than today’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup. Current prototypes, showcased at tech trade shows like CES, include the Flex G, which opens like a brochure, and the Flex S, which folds both inward and outward to create an “S” shape with three connected screens.
Samsung executives declined to share exact specifications but emphasized that the device will deliver a unique user experience, not just a reshaped version of existing foldables.
Why It Matters for Consumers
Samsung says foldables are helping it attract more customers from rival brands than its standard smartphones. A tri-fold device could take that trend further, giving consumers a pocket-sized tablet experience and setting Samsung apart in a saturated market.
“Getting it out into the wild and seeing which users are attracted to it is the exciting part,” said Drew Blackard, Senior VP of Mobile Product Management for Samsung Electronics America.
The Bigger Picture: Slimmer and Smarter Devices
Beyond foldables, Samsung is pursuing sleeker designs across its flagship lineup. A slimmer sequel to the Galaxy S25 Edge is expected alongside the Galaxy S26 next year. Industry rumors also hint at bold concepts, including port-free smartphones that rely solely on wireless charging. While Samsung confirms the idea has been discussed, widespread adoption remains uncertain given the lack of accessible charging infrastructure.
In the past, Samsung even considered transparent phones, but practical limitations like battery placement made them unfeasible. For now, the company believes innovation lies in foldables and slimmer profiles.
The Future of Smartphones
Analysts project foldable shipments will reach 45.7 million units by 2028, still just a fraction of the 1.2 billion smartphones shipped worldwide in 2024. Yet Samsung is betting big on foldables to stay ahead in an era when consumers are holding onto devices longer and AI-driven products loom as possible replacements.
With Apple and Samsung driving the industry’s boldest changes, the next few years could redefine what consumers expect from their smartphones — and the tri-fold may just be the device that sets the stage.