Foldable Smartphone Market: Samsung Discontinues Galaxy Z TriFold, Apple Adjusts iPhone Fold Forecast
Two major developments reshape the foldable smartphone landscape: Samsung ends its ambitious tri-fold experiment after just months, while Apple scales back production targets for its long-awaited folding iPhone.
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: A Short-Lived Flagship
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, a device featuring two hinges and a 10-inch inner display that folds into a 'Z' shape, has been discontinued less than three months after its United States launch on January 30. The device was widely regarded as a technological showcase rather than a mass-market product.
Key Specifications
Feature Detail Display 6.5-inch cover screen; 10-inch inner display when unfolded Thickness 3.9mm unfolded; 12.9mm folded Weight 309 grams Processor Customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Storage Starting at 512GB Battery 5,600 mAh with 45W charging Cameras Triple rear: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto Price $2,899 (US) Durability Rated for 200,000 folds (internal testing)Sales and Availability Timeline
- December 1, 2025 — Announced
- December 12, 2025 — Launched in South Korea
- CES 2026, Las Vegas — Global debut
- January 23, 2026 — US trial programs begin at select Samsung Experience Stores (California, Minnesota, New York, Texas)
- January 30, 2026 — US release (in-person, first-come, first-served)
- April 10, 2026 — Final US restock
The device sold out within minutes of its US launch. Samsung later updated its listing, describing the device as a "limited-run" product that is "completely sold out."
Discontinuation Details
Samsung is ceasing sales of the Galaxy Z TriFold, beginning in South Korea, followed by the US once existing inventory is depleted. According to a report from the South Korean newspaper Dong-A Ilbo, only 6,000 units were stocked and sold in South Korea since its launch. Initial allotments reportedly consisted of 3,000 units each. The device was exclusively available directly from Samsung via its website and seven Experience Stores in the US.
"A decision has not been made regarding a wider market release or a successor." — Won-Joon Choi, Samsung's Mobile Experience Business COO
Choi indicated that design elements like the larger display may be incorporated into future Samsung foldable phones. Reports from Bloomberg and Dong-A Ilbo cite high production costs and rising component prices (DRAM, NAND flash, application processors) as factors in the discontinuation. Industry experts characterized the device as a "flagship showcase" to demonstrate technological capabilities rather than a mass-market product.
Apple Foldable iPhone: Forecast Adjustments and Supplier News
Multiple reports indicate that Apple has adjusted its initial shipment projections for its forthcoming foldable smartphone, tentatively referred to as the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra.
Shipment Forecasts
- Manufacturing partners have been instructed to prepare for approximately 3 million units during the launch phase.
- This figure represents a reduction from an initial projection of approximately 10 million units.
- Reports suggest this adjustment is influenced by observations from the Apple Vision Pro launch, indicating an expectation of limited early adoption.
Pricing
The estimated starting price for the device is reported to be between $2,000 and $2,400 (USD).
Development Background
The development of Apple's folding phone reportedly took eight years. Reports indicate this timeline was due to concerns regarding the fragility of existing folding screens and the visibility of the display crease.
Display Supplier Agreement
Reports indicate that only Samsung Display was able to meet Apple's quality standards for the foldable display. Samsung Display has reportedly secured a three-year exclusive agreement to supply foldable OLED panels for the device. Sources state that this arrangement was proposed by Samsung Display, citing its technological lead and the need to protect its investment in dedicated production lines.
Design Details (from unconfirmed leak)
A leaked video from the YouTube channel Max Tech shows a purported dummy model, featuring:
- Book-style design with a dual-lens camera bump
- Dimensions: 11mm thick when folded; 5.5mm when unfolded
- Commentators noted the apparent absence of MagSafe and Face ID features on the dummy model
Market Context
- Foldable smartphones represent a small percentage of the broader smartphone market.
- Major Android manufacturers have adopted the form factor.
- The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold was recognized in the Best Mobile Tech category for the Official Best of CES 2026 Awards.
- The Huawei Mate XT, a trifold phone not available in the US market, is noted as a competing device.