Samsung is reportedly gearing up to launch its first tri-folding smartphone before the end of this year, a move that could reshape the foldable market it pioneered back in 2019. While the company has remained quiet on official timelines, fresh reports suggest that the device, likely to be called the Galaxy Z TriFold, may make its debut during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled to be held in Gyeongju, South Korea, from October 31 to November 1, 2025.
According to South Korea-based news outlet Yonhap, which cited unnamed industry insiders, Samsung plans to showcase the tri-fold device at an exhibition during the high-profile summit. The global rollout, however, may be restricted initially to China and South Korea, with production expected to be limited to around 50,000 units in the first wave.
Galaxy Z TriFold: What to Expect
Samsung first teased the concept of a tri-folding phone at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in January, sparking curiosity among fans and industry experts alike. Unlike the book-style folding design of the existing Galaxy Z Fold series, the Galaxy Z TriFold is expected to adopt a G-style inward folding mechanism that allows the screen to fold in three sections.
Samsung preps for TriFold launch this month as Galaxy Z Fold 7 popularity explodes https://t.co/hB7ognYnWw by @will_sattelberg
— 9to5Google (@9to5Google) October 1, 2025
When fully unfolded, the handset could offer a 9.96-inch display, making it more comparable to a compact tablet, while in its folded state it may feature a 6.54-inch outer display for everyday use. This versatility could give users the benefit of both a portable smartphone and a productivity-focused tablet in one device.
On the hardware front, leaks suggest the device could run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with a silicon-carbon battery designed for better efficiency and durability. Camera enthusiasts may find the triple-lens setup appealing, with the primary sensor tipped to be a 200-megapixel unit. The handset is also expected to ship with Android 16, layered with Samsung’s custom One UI 8 skin.
A Strategic Leap in Foldables
Samsung has been the leader in the foldable space since the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold in 2019, but competition has been heating up. Huawei currently offers two tri-fold smartphones, the Mate XT Ultimate Design and Mate XTs, making it the only OEM with a product in this category. By introducing the Galaxy Z TriFold, Samsung is aiming not only to reclaim innovation leadership but also to expand the appeal of foldables beyond enthusiasts to mainstream consumers.
If reports hold true, the Galaxy Z TriFold’s unveiling at the APEC summit will mark one of Samsung’s most ambitious steps yet in redefining mobile technology.
