Samsung’s foldable business has not been as successful as it had hoped. The company’s conservative approach to the Galaxy Z series seems to be one of the main reasons. To turn things around, Samsung is reportedly considering launching a triple-folding phone in 2025.
Samsung’s foldable OLED shipments are not as high as expected
This year’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 offer very few notable improvements. They are more sophisticated, sturdy, and durable than their predecessors. They also boast improved power efficiency thanks to new processors. However, other aspects of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 remain largely unchanged.
It seems Samsung has bet too much on Galaxy AI. Unfortunately for Samsung, the strategy has not paid off as expected. The company had previously forecasted an optimistic 20 million OLED panels to be shipped in 2024. However, Samsung has now lowered its expectations significantly, to just 12 million units, down 40% from its previous forecast and 10% from the previous year.
Samsung may launch a Galaxy foldable phone to turn things around
According to Korean media, Samsung is looking to turn things around by 2025. One of the options being considered is the launch of a triple-fold phone.
As a pioneer in the foldable phone segment, Samsung may be ready for such a project. However, the final decision will come from the Samsung MX division. There may be many profitability parameters to study before the company starts developing a triple-fold phone.
Samsung currently expects to have sold around 10 million units of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. However, reports suggest that only eight million units have been shipped. It remains unclear whether Samsung will be more aggressive with foldable phones in 2025. Competition from multiple Chinese companies is getting fiercer.
HUAWEI has a head start, but Samsung has an advantage outside of China
HUAWEI launched its tri-fold phone before Samsung. It could be available outside of China in Q1 2025. So Samsung already has competition when it comes to tri-fold phones. However, it has an advantage in the international market because Galaxy phones support Google Play Services and the Google Play Store.