Samsung Tri-Fold Smartphone Might Not See Light Of The Day By Early 2026: Report

The tri-fold smartphone is expected to bolster Samsung's presence in the foldable segment amid growing competition from rivals like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Honor.

Samsung’s tri-fold phone could feature a massive 9–10-inch screen when unfolded.

Source : X/@CGMeifangZhang

Samsung has been generating excitement with rumours about its first tri-fold smartphone, initially expected to debut next year. However, recent reports suggest that the highly anticipated device may not hit the market until early 2026. According to tech analyst Ross Young, delays in development have pushed back the launch. Interestingly, the tri-fold smartphone’s release might align with Apple's rumoured entry into the foldable phone market, creating a competitive showdown.

Android Police also reports that Samsung is preparing to introduce a budget-friendly version of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 alongside the tri-fold model. The tri-fold smartphone is expected to bolster Samsung's presence in the foldable segment amid growing competition from rivals like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Honor. Notably, Huawei has already introduced the world’s first tri-fold device, the Mate XT Ultimate Edition, in China earlier this year, raising the stakes in the foldable smartphone race.

Competition For Samsung

The Mate XT, Huawei’s tri-fold smartphone, employs an outward-folding design that leaves its screens exposed when closed, increasing the potential for damage. In contrast, Samsung is rumoured to be developing an "in-folding" design for its tri-fold device, which folds inward at two points, protecting the display when not in use and addressing durability concerns.

According to Android Police, Samsung’s tri-fold phone could feature a massive 9–10-inch screen when unfolded, surpassing the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s 7.6-inch display. Despite rising competition, Samsung remains a leader in the foldable smartphone market, driven by the success of its Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip series.

Meanwhile, other manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Honor, and Oppo are also rumoured to be working on their tri-fold smartphones, further intensifying the competition in this segment. In addition, Samsung is gearing up for the launch of its Galaxy S25 series in January 2025, including the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra.

This flagship lineup will compete directly with Apple’s iPhone 16 and Google’s Pixel 9. The Galaxy S25 series is also expected to debut the Android 15-based One UI 7, which has faced delays and is now anticipated to roll out in early 2025.