Samsung isn’t slowing down after the recent debut of its Galaxy XR headset. The company is reportedly preparing to unveil another major flagship product before the year ends — its first trifold foldable smartphone. This long-rumored device, referred to in leaks as either the Galaxy G Fold or Galaxy G Fold 7, marks Samsung’s next big step in foldable innovation.
According to reliable tipster Evan Blass (via Android Police), Samsung’s first trifold may not reach the U.S. market initially. Instead, the device will likely launch in select Asian countries such as South Korea, China, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. Blass, known for his accurate early insights on unreleased devices, offered no direct evidence for this claim but added that he hopes to be proven wrong about the limited release.
Samsung has taken a regional-first approach before. Late last year, it launched the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition exclusively in Korea and China before expanding the design into the globally released Galaxy Z Fold 7. If history repeats itself, the Galaxy G Fold could follow that same path — launching regionally before making its way to Western markets.
Why Samsung is Building a Trifold Phone
Trifold smartphones — featuring two hinges and three connected display panels — are not a new idea. Chinese manufacturers like Huawei and Tecno have previously showcased similar designs. Huawei’s premium Mate XT debuted in China last year, while Tecno revealed concept models without bringing them to market.
The promise of a trifold design lies in its versatility. When unfolded, the device can expand into a display that more closely resembles a traditional tablet, providing an improved viewing experience for productivity, gaming, and multimedia. By contrast, existing foldables like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold or Galaxy Z Fold 7 open into squarer screens that can feel constrained for single-app use.
However, that versatility comes at a cost. Trifold devices need more hinges, flexible materials, and precise engineering — all of which drive up production complexity and price. Like Huawei’s Mate XT, Samsung’s trifold will likely carry a premium price tag aimed at enthusiasts and early adopters.
A Strategic Launch
Samsung’s motivation is clear: reaffirm its leadership in foldable tech. The company essentially pioneered this category, and now it faces sharper competition from Chinese brands refining their own flexible displays. After unveiling the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in July, TM Roh, Samsung’s head of the Device Experience division, confirmed that a trifold handset was in development, targeting a release by year’s end.
By limiting the initial rollout to Asia, Samsung can test the device in markets where foldables already enjoy stronger adoption rates and where it directly competes with Huawei. Success there could pave the way for a second-generation Galaxy G Fold that launches globally, including in North America.
