Galaxy Z TriFold moves closer to your pocket with fresh US firmware tests

Samsung is now working on software for the unlocked US model, a strong hint the tri-fold could launch in select markets soon, with no official green light yet.

By Paulo Vargas Published November 17, 2025

Samsung tri-fold phone revealed at K-Tech Showcase featured 1 — Chosun

What’s happened? Samsung’s first tri-folding phone is creeping closer to reality in the US. The company has reportedly begun testing software for the unlocked Galaxy Z TriFold, model SM-F968U1, ahead of a rumored early December reveal.

According to SamMobile, Samsung has now started firmware work on the unlocked SM-F968U1 after first focusing on the carrier-locked SM-F968U.
The Galaxy Z TriFold is tipped to offer a 10-inch main display and a 6.5-inch cover screen, so it behaves more like a compact tablet when opened.
The rollout is expected to be limited, with the US currently the only Western market on the supposed launch list.

This is important because: Unlocked firmware usually means Samsung is preparing a phone for more than a tiny, carrier-only test. Getting the TriFold ready for US retail hints that this weird new design is part of its broader foldable strategy.

Unlocked software builds typically support both direct sales and carrier partners, so Samsung appears to be treating the TriFold like a proper flagship.
With the US as the only Western launch market for now, early adopters there will be among the first to live with a tri-fold day to day.

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Why should I care? If you are even mildly foldable-curious, this is where things start to get interesting. Unlocked firmware activity suggests the TriFold might actually show up in stores, not just in concept videos.

If it does land, you are looking at a tablet-like inner screen and a familiar outer display in one device, which is very different from a standard smartphone.
The report hints it will cost a good chunk of cash, so following these leaks now helps you decide if first-gen tri-fold life is worth the premium.
Compare the TriFold’s specs to the best foldables out now to see if the extra fold is worth it.

Okay, so what’s next? Now it is a question of whether Samsung follows through on the rumored timeline. Software testing is a strong signal, not a guarantee, and both timing and markets can still move.

The next big moment is the rumored December 5 reveal, when Samsung is expected to fully show off the Galaxy Z TriFold and confirm where it goes on sale, if that date holds.
Even if the TriFold stays niche, it signals that Samsung is willing to push into stranger hardware, which can shape the foldables more people end up buying later.

News Writer

Paulo Vargas is an English major turned reporter turned technical writer, with a career that has always circled back to…

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