Samsung’s bold experiments with radical foldable phone designs, like the ultra-slim flagship Galaxy S25 Edge and its first tri-foldable device, may not be released traditionally annually. A senior executive revealed that the company still has no plans to release any more insanely expensive smartphones any time soon.
Why the next TriFold is not a given
During an interview with BloombergWon-Joon Choi, chief operating officer of Samsung’s mobile experience business, said the brand is skeptical about successors to the Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy Z TriFold. The sales of these devices fell short of expectations compared to their mainstream models such as the Galaxy S and Galaxy Z series.
The TriFold, with its two hinges and a tablet-like folding mode, costs around $2,900. Even though these sold out in limited quantities, the device remains a niche product with a high price and an ultra-premium positioning. In his comments, Choi didn’t completely rule out future models, but added that no decision has been made yet on when, or even if, a second generation of these complex models will come to market.
We’re not killing foldables, we’re simply rethinking them
Samsung’s cautious stance doesn’t mean the company is abandoning foldable phones entirely. In fact, the executive stressed that a more practical version could be in the works. A wider version of the Galaxy Z Fold series is reportedly in the pipeline, with a focus on providing a larger screen for entertainment or multitasking without the added complexity (and expense) of a double-hinge system.
Instead of chasing ultra-niche phones that push technical boundaries, Samsung may prioritize models with broader market appeal, such as. B. foldable cell phones that feel more familiar and are more affordable. As foldable technologies become more sophisticated and penetrate more segments such as handhelds, ultra-premium experiments have yet to prove that they can sustain consumer demand over the long term, given their pricing and complexity.
This also highlights a larger industry dynamic where pushing the envelope on form factor innovation is expensive, risky, and doesn’t always result in mass demand. Enthusiasts and premium buyers are all for the groundbreaking phones, but mainstream markets are still leaning towards more balanced offerings.
