
TL;DR
- Samsung’s TM Roh confirms the company will launch a triple-folding smartphone in 2025
- The device is reportedly ready for production, pending name finalization and usability refinements
- The tri-fold phone could significantly reshape the premium foldables market
- Samsung continues to dominate the foldables category, with innovation-focused leadership
- Launch details and specs remain under wraps, with further updates expected later this year
Samsung Eyes the Next Evolution in Foldables
Just one day after Samsung unveiled its latest generation of foldable smartphones, the company’s leadership has confirmed a more ambitious product is on the way: a triple-folding phone expected to hit the market before the end of 2025.
Samsung’s President of Mobile Communications Business, TM Roh, revealed the news in an interview with the Korea Times. The executive confirmed that the tri-fold device is in advanced stages of development, stating:
“I expect we will be able to launch the tri-fold phone within this year. We are now focusing on perfecting the product and its usability.”
Name Still Undecided, But Launch Confirmed
While the product name has yet to be finalized, Roh emphasized that the team is actively preparing for commercialization. That sentiment was echoed by another unnamed executive, who reportedly confirmed to Android Authority that the triple-folding smartphone is ready for mass production.
This positions Samsung to be the first major OEM to bring a tri-fold phone to global consumers, potentially before any competitors like Huawei, Xiaomi, or Honor can respond at scale.
Strategic Move to Extend Foldables Lead
Samsung has been a pioneer in foldable innovation, launching the first Galaxy Fold in 2019 and consistently leading global foldable shipments ever since. A tri-fold device would elevate that lead by introducing a new form factor that can switch between phone, tablet, and extended display modes.
Triple-folding designs typically use two hinges, allowing a larger screen to fold into a compact shape. While the exact specifications remain unconfirmed, it is expected to be a hybrid productivity device, targeting professionals and tech enthusiasts seeking maximum flexibility.
Samsung’s Foldables Footprint
Metric | Value | Source |
Global Foldable Shipments (2024) | 15.9 million units | Counterpoint Research |
Samsung’s Foldables Market Share | 63% | IDC |
Foldables CAGR (2024–2028) | 27.60% | Statista |
Galaxy Z Fold5 Avg. Price | $1,799 USD | Samsung.com |
From Duo to Trio: What Tri-Fold Means for Form Factor Design
This tri-fold phone could represent the most radical rethink of mobile device architecture since the first dual-screen folding models.
If executed well, it could offer:
- 7.5”–10” tablet-like displays with increased multitasking
- Tri-mode use cases: phone, tablet, workstation
- Potential for S Pen support and DeX integration
- Opportunities in gaming, enterprise apps, and design suites
With Samsung’s experience refining Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) and hinge durability, the tri-fold might finally bring premium versatility without bulk.
Challenges Ahead: Durability, Pricing, and App Support
Despite excitement, triple-fold devices face technical and commercial challenges:
- Durability concerns with dual hinges and larger flexible displays
- High manufacturing costs may push pricing beyond $2,000
- Software optimization for the unique tri-fold layout remains sparse
Samsung’s prior successes with One UI enhancements and developer toolkits may help close the usability gap—but mass-market adoption will hinge on pricing and perceived utility.
Competitors Watching Closely
Chinese OEMs like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Tecno have demonstrated tri-fold prototypes in the past, but none have reached full-scale consumer deployment. If Samsung launches globally in Q4 2025, it could become first to market with a commercial tri-fold phone, thereby locking in premium-first mover status.
Google, whose Pixel Fold launched last year, has yet to enter the multi-fold format and is reportedly taking a wait-and-see approach before extending Android’s native support for tri-fold configurations.
Market Implications: Premium Growth Amid Plateauing Smartphones
Smartphone markets have matured, with flat global shipments in recent years. Foldables are a rare growth driver—especially in premium segments, where users demand form factor innovation over iterative upgrades.
By positioning the tri-fold as both a phone and tablet hybrid, Samsung could tap into early adopters, enterprise buyers, and creatives seeking more screen space in a portable device.
What to Expect Next
Samsung is expected to:
- Announce full specifications and pricing at a dedicated Unpacked event later this year
- Showcase multitasking software enhancements with the next One UI release
- Integrate the Exynos 2500 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipsets
- Bundle the device with productivity tools and possibly offer early enterprise access
Until then, anticipation will continue to grow—especially among premium users looking to move beyond the standard fold.