The original Galaxy Z TriFold had barely been on the market for long to warm pockets when Samsung pulled the plug. The company launched the phone on January 30, 2026 as the world’s first mass-market tri-folding smartphone sold in the United States. However, production stopped just three months later.
However, Samsung hasn’t given up on the concept yet as the company is already working on a sequel and is in the starting blocks.
Why is the hinge such a big deal?
Supply chain sources now indicate that Samsung is developing an entirely new hinge solution to make the TriFold 2 significantly slimmer. According to a Korean blog called Naver, the company could focus on “lightweight and ultra-slim design.”
The TriFold 2’s new hinge has reportedly completed most of the verification process. The device is initially expected to come onto the market in mid-2027 (if all goes well). That’s a long wait for buyers who value foldable space, but a thinner tri-fold could certainly be worth it.
On a tri-fold phone, the hinge isn’t just a hinge; It is the foundation that determines the entire experience. Get it wrong and you’ll end up with a clunky, fragile panel that no one wants to carry around.
Why do other foldable Samsung devices also benefit?
The original Galaxy Z TriFold measures 3.9-4.2mm when flat and 12.9mm when folded, which I think is quite respectable for a three-panel device.
This is where things get really interesting for everyone, not just TriFold enthusiasts. A simplified but improved version of the original TriFold’s new hinge could also make its way to the Fold 8 and Flip 8 with some technical adjustments.
In other words, the engineering effort behind an ultra-premium foldable device could also impact Samsung’s mainstream foldable lineup.
