It appears that Samsung is taking its time in reevaluating its approach to foldable devices. This, however, means allowing rival Chinese brands to take the lead in innovative developments.
An interview with one of Samsung’s manufacturing partners has indicated that the upcoming line of foldable smartphones from the company may not feature significant upgrades. Enthusiasts might have to hold off until the 2026 model to witness any major enhancements.
According to a representative from China’s FastPrint speaking with the Korean news source The Elec, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 series is unlikely to see meaningful improvements, with important updates likely being saved for the 2026 Galaxy Z Fold 8 series. FastPrint has a solid background in the smartphone sector, which adds weight to this information.
This company recently provided the vital HDI (High-Density Interconnector) for the sleek Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. This model is thinner than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 but boasts a larger display and upgrades its camera system to a 200-megapixel sensor.
FastPrint has also received Samsung’s approval to deliver the same component for the forthcoming Galaxy S25 series smartphones. While this recent information from Samsung’s partner is not entirely unexpected, it’s worth noting that plans at the Korean tech giant could evolve in the future.
“If we focus solely on the foldable phone format from Samsung Electronics, we can expect noticeable changes starting with the Z8 series scheduled for release in 2026, in contrast to the Galaxy Z7 series next year,” stated the FastPrint executive.
The spokesperson also mentioned that Samsung aims to tackle competition from Chinese foldable phones, as well as prepare for Apple’s eventual entry into this market. Despite these ambitions, the internal momentum for innovation appears to have slowed.
Fold 7 should have the same display sizes as Fold 6 SE. So, Fold 6 SE will basically become the Fold 7.
Flip 7 should grow from 6.7” to 6.85” and cover display should be around 4”.— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) December 2, 2024
Supply chain analyst Ross Young recently shared insights on X, indicating that the design of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition will influence the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7. However, the overall aesthetics and camera technology are expected to remain largely unchanged without significant advancements.
In contrast, competitors like Honor, Vivo, and Xiaomi have consistently pushed the boundaries of foldable phone technology, offering slimmer designs and more impressive camera setups.
It will be fascinating to see how Samsung remains competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape, especially while commanding a premium price for foldable devices that no longer stand out as the best options in the market. Unfortunately, I am skeptical about any swift revitalization on Samsung’s part.
