Samsung's Tri-Fold Phone May Be Delayed, as Foldable Market Faces Challenges

Samsung's Tri-Fold Phone May Be Delayed, as Foldable Market Faces ChallengesZDNETKorea reported yesterday (October 22nd) that Samsung has completed development of components for its tri-fold phone and is aiming for a 2025 release. This news sparked discussions amongst industry insiders

Samsung's Tri-Fold Phone May Be Delayed, as Foldable Market Faces Challenges

ZDNETKorea reported yesterday (October 22nd) that Samsung has completed development of components for its tri-fold phone and is aiming for a 2025 release. This news sparked discussions amongst industry insiders. Another media outlet, sammyguru, speculates that Samsung is aggressively expanding its foldable phone market and may unveil its tri-fold phone alongside the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 launches next year.

Samsung Display's "FlexS" product boasts a panel capable of folding inwards and outwards twice, providing technical support for the tri-fold phone. However, Samsung Electronics' MX (MobileeXperience) division has yet to finalize a release plan. The exact release date might be impacted by the underwhelming sales of the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6.

Industry sources suggest that Samsung's business plan has reduced the expected output of foldable phone OLED panels to 12 million for 2024, a 10% decrease compared to last year's estimated output. Earlier, Samsung Display aimed to actively penetrate the foldable phone market, striving for an output exceeding 20 million panels. However, the "rolling plan" R/P for foldable phone OLED panels has now been adjusted to 12 million.

A "rolling plan" refers to revising initial plans based on current market conditions. Typically, Samsung Electronics sets high initial targets. Yet, industry experts view this significant rolling plan adjustment as a reflection of Samsung's foldable phone sales falling short of expectations.

Industry analysts have lowered the expected sales of Samsung's new foldable phones from 9-10 million units to 7-8 million units. Behind this revision lies the challenges facing the foldable market.

Firstly, the prohibitive price of foldable phones remains a major barrier for consumers. Despite price reductions, foldable phones remain significantly more expensive than traditional smartphones, making them inaccessible to the average consumer.

Secondly, the durability of foldable phones remains a concern. Screen damage and limited fold cycles raise doubts about the reliability of folding phones.

Lastly, the functional advantages of foldable phones have yet to be fully demonstrated, failing to attract consumers. Currently, the functionalities of foldable phones don't offer a significant advantage over traditional smartphones, lacking a compelling selling point.

In light of these challenges facing the foldable phone market, the release of Samsung's tri-fold phone has become uncertain. Some analysts believe Samsung may postpone the launch, awaiting further market maturity.

Ultimately, the fate of Samsung's tri-fold phone hinges on the future direction of the foldable phone market. If Samsung can overcome these challenges, the tri-fold phone's release could mark a significant milestone for the foldable market. However, if the foldable market continues to stagnate, the release of the tri-fold phone could be indefinitely delayed.

Samsung has yet to comment on these speculations. We await further developments.