What’s happened? Samsung is reportedly planning to showcase its first tri-fold smartphone at the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea later this month, with the device shown under glass and a commercial launch expected later this year.
- According to Bloomberg, the device uses two hinges so it can work as a phone or unfold into a larger tablet.
- Samsung has already mentioned in official channels that a trifold is set for a 2025 release.
- The report says that the unit is expected to be display-only at APEC, meaning no hands-on for attendees.
- This follows a report earlier this month which pointed to APEC as the official first outing for Samsung’s latest foldable.
- Our coverage has also tracked where a tri-fold could sit alongside the Galaxy Z Fold series.
This is important because: Samsung is stepping into a form factor rivals have already touched, and it wants the world watching. APEC gives it a global stage and a moment to reassert leadership in foldables before the next wave hits.
- Huawei introduced a trifold in China last year, so Samsung’s aim is a wider debut, not a first-ever.
- The foldable category is crowded, and every major Chinese brand is chasing share, which makes a polished reveal crucial.
- Galaxy Z Fold 7 is thinner and lighter and it’s resonated with buyers. Samsung can try to carry this momentum into a larger canvas.
Why should I care? If you’ve been waiting for a bigger on-the-go screen, this could be it. A tri-hinge design means a phone that folds out to tablet territory, better for video, reading, and side-by-side apps.
- This means more screen in your pocket. Compact when closed and expansive when open.
- A display-only preview suggests near-final hardware, so we’ll get a clearer read on size, thickness, and hinge behavior.
- Bloomberg points to a launch before year’s end, and our guide to the best folding phones shows how it might fit.
Okay, so what’s next? The summit stage should cue the next steps Samsung might take. Watch out for official communication on timing, market, and software.
- Expect Samsung to follow the showcase with firmer launch details before year’s end, per Bloomberg’s report.
- The pitch will likely center on productivity and media, selling work and play on one bigger canvas.
- Keep an eye on our foldables coverage for where this trifold could land first and how it slots beside the Fold line.
- Apple is expected to join the foldable market, with signs pointing to an iPhone Fold launch potentially next year.
