Samsung is reportedly preparing to launch a tri-fold smartphone in 2025, according to industry insiders from Korea. The company has the necessary technology ready, and the supply chain is prepared for production. However, the final decision on whether to proceed with the launch will come from Samsung’s MX (Mobile eXperience) Division, which oversees its foldable devices.
Market Context:
- Decreased Demand for Foldables: Orders for foldable OLED panels have dropped by over 10% as sales for the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 failed to meet expectations. The combined sales of these two devices are forecasted at 8 million units, down from an expected 10 million.
- OLED Shipments Drop: In 2024, Samsung Display is expected to ship 12 million foldable OLED panels, marking a significant 40% decline from the 20 million units shipped the previous year. This includes panels for Samsung’s foldables and other brands like Xiaomi, vivo, and Oppo.
Potential Strategy:
To address declining sales trends, Samsung might also consider introducing a cheaper Galaxy Flip model to make foldable devices more accessible to a wider audience. This move could help revive interest in foldable smartphones by catering to budget-conscious consumers.
With the prospect of a tri-fold smartphone and efforts to make foldables more affordable, Samsung is exploring ways to maintain its leadership in the foldable market amid shifting demand.
