Samsung faces a slow Q4 2024, but its upcoming foldable devices are seen as potential game-changers for the tech giant.
Samsung is set to shake up the smartphone market with its latest innovation. The tech giant has announced plans to diversify its foldable devices lineup next year by launching a tri-fold smartphone.
According to Roh Tae-moon, Samsung’s acting head of device experience, the tri-fold phone is currently in active development. The goal is to launch it when it meets Samsung’s high standards for completeness. Although the company has not yet finalized the official name for this product, rumours suggest it could be named the Galaxy G Fold, due to the hinge design.
Samsung showcased early concept devices, called Flex S and Flex G, in 2023 as part of the tri-fold innovation. This device will have three displays and fold in a way that goes beyond the existing bi-fold foldables, building on the advances of the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series.
The launch of the tri-fold phone aims to strengthen Samsung's leadership in foldable form factor innovation and anticipates upcoming competition in the foldables space from companies like Apple.
In addition to hardware innovation, Samsung also plans to integrate expanded mobile AI functionality across its devices in 2025. AI features will be extended through software upgrades and will remain predominantly free, enhancing the user experience alongside the new hardware designs.
The tri-fold smartphone is expected to be released in late 2025, with a focus on usability and product finalization. It's worth noting that the launch did not occur during Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event in July 2025, likely because Samsung wants to avoid overshadowing the Fold7 and Flip7 models, which are the thinnest and lightest foldables to date.
Despite the upcoming launch of the tri-fold smartphone, Samsung's foldable shipments for 2025 could see a slight drop following a somewhat underwhelming 2024. The total number of foldable shipments from Samsung in 2025 could be 5 million, with the Flip 7 making the majority of those units.
The new foldable form factors, including the tri-fold design, are expected to be released later in 2025, possibly in the second half. The expected release of these new form factors could potentially boost Samsung’s foldable sales in 2025.
Samsung's Q4 2024 profits were down quarter over quarter compared to Q3, but the company still managed to generate a record-high 30.1 trillion KRW in consolidated revenue and 2.9 trillion KRW in operating profits in the chip sector. Samsung's MX (mobile) business also generated 25.8 trillion KRW in consolidated and 2.1 trillion KRW in operating profits in Q4.
Despite a dip in profits due to the fading effects of new flagships such as the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung remains committed to diversifying its foldable lineup in 2025 with improved form factors. Durability and a diversified lineup for foldable devices are key factors for Samsung in 2025 as they aim to generate new customer demand.
In other news, Samsung also teased new foldable form factors and its Android XR headset during Unpacked for the Galaxy S25 series. The lackluster interest during pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Fold 6 could be a concern, but Samsung is hopeful that the release of new foldable form factors will help boost sales in 2025.
The tri-fold smartphone, an innovation in Samsung's foldable devices lineup, is anticipated to strengthen Samsung's leadership in the foldable form factor market and potentially compete against similar offerings from tech giants like Apple. Furthermore, Samsung's MX (mobile) business, which includes smartphones, aims to diversify its foldable lineup in 2025 with improved form factors, focusing on durability and generating new customer demand.
