Samsung, although seen as a potential leader in the foldable smartphone market, might have its schedule altered following Apple's recent announcement of the iPhone Duo. This could push the company to bring forward the launch of the next iteration of its three-fold device, the Galaxy Z TriFold 2.
Originally slated for 2027, the release of this device could happen sooner. According to source Lanzuk, the unveiling of the iPhone Duo motivated Samsung to reassess its timeline, which also encompasses an additional project: a sliding screen phone.
Lanzuk reported that Samsung is working to make the Galaxy Z TriFold 2 lighter, thinner, and more durable compared to its first version, without a significant increase in cost. The target price is to remain around US$ 2,899 (equivalent to approximately R$ 15 thousand in direct conversion), the same price point as the first TriFold in the United States.
However, maintaining this price presents a challenge due to the rising cost of components. Rumors suggest the company operated the first generation at a loss, aiming to test the acceptance of this new product format.
The debut of the first generation of the foldable occurred in late 2025, serving as an experimental initiative by Samsung. This South Korean version was introduced a few months after the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design launch. However, the Galaxy Z TriFold adopted a mechanism where the screens fold inwards and included an external screen, features later incorporated by the Chinese brand in the Mate XT 2.
The device arrived in the United States in January 2026 with limited distribution and was withdrawn just three months later. Although initial stock sold out quickly, it was never officially launched in Brazil.
Technical specifications included the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile for Galaxy platform, a 10-inch screen when fully open, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a 5,600 mAh battery. Samsung had already established initial contacts with suppliers to ensure the production of second-generation components.
In the initial plan, the Galaxy Z TriFold 2 was set to be part of an expanded line of foldable devices scheduled for 2027. This family would also include the Galaxy Z Fold 9, which might be wider, the Galaxy Z Fold 9 Ultra, and possibly the Galaxy Z Flip 9.
Although the future of the Flip line remains uncertain, the company might launch a sliding screen phone capable of expanding to about 7 inches, as reported by 9to5Google. A prototype of this smartphone was displayed at MWC 2026, but it is based on a concept previously presented at CES 2025, when Samsung showcased a 'rollable' screen model as an alternative to Huawei's trifold.
