Samsung is expected to introduce a new, wider foldable phone design at its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event as it faces increasing competition.
Key facts
- •Samsung is expected to launch a new, wider foldable phone at its Galaxy Unpacked event tomorrow.
- •IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo predicts Apple could capture 34 percent of the foldable market by value in its first year.
- •Samsung previously released the Galaxy Z TriFold, which remained in the U.S. market for less than three months.
- •Competitors like Huawei, Google, and Oppo have previously experimented with wider foldable form factors.
- •Samsung has spent seven years building its current market dominance in the foldable category.
Samsung is set to host a Galaxy Unpacked event tomorrow, where it is expected to unveil new versions of its Fold and Flip phones. The company is also anticipated to introduce a new foldable form factor that features a shorter and wider design. This move comes as Samsung faces pressure from the anticipated entry of Apple into the foldable market, which industry experts believe could significantly shift the current landscape.
By the numbers
Shifting Design Strategy
For years, Samsung’s foldable lineup consisted of the Flip and the Fold. However, the company has begun moving toward a wider design, a form factor previously explored by competitors like Google, Oppo, and Microsoft. Samsung previously favored slim outer screens and square inner ones, but the company has recently teased a "new shape" for its devices, and its event invitations have hinted at a shorter device profile.
Market Competition and Apple's Influence
Samsung has historically dominated the foldable market by leveraging its size and first-mover advantage. However, the company now faces competition from other manufacturers that have introduced features like dustproofing and nearly creaseless displays. IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo predicts that Apple’s entry into the foldable segment will be a turning point, estimating that Apple could capture 34 percent of the foldable market by value in its first year.
Risks and Past Experiments
Expanding the product lineup carries risks for Samsung, which has previously experienced mixed results with experimental designs. The company’s Galaxy Z TriFold was available in the U.S. market for less than three months, and the Galaxy S25 Edge saw low sales. By introducing a wider foldable, Samsung aims to mitigate the risk of being left without a comparable product should Apple’s upcoming foldable device prove successful.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Verge.
