Samsung’s highly anticipated tri-fold phone (technically dual-fold, but that’s an argument for another day) is tipped to arrive before the end of the year, and fresh reports claim the US might be first in line for the folding phone.
What Just Happened?
A CNN report cites “a person familiar with the company’s plans”, who claims Samsung is currently considering the initial launch markets for its multi-folding phone.
The US is said to be very much in contention of being among the first countries to receive the handset.
Unlike traditional foldables – such as Samsung’s own Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the new Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold – Samsung’s new multi-fold phone will feature two hinges, allowing you to open up an even larger internal screen.
This is important because
Samsung isn’t the first company to offer a multi-fold smartphone, with the Huawei Mate XT available in select markets for almost a year now.
But crucially, Huawei doesn’t sell devices in the US, leaving the door wide open for Samsung to swoop in unchallenged.
If Samsung does launch its multi-fold phone in the US before the end of 2025, there will be no direct rival – allowing the South Korean firm to dominate what is, admittedly, a particularly narrow niche.
It’s likely to be very expensive too. The priciest version of Samsung’s Z Fold 7 (the 1TB model) will set you back $2,119.99, and that’s with a current $300 off incentive, setting up the multi-fold for an eye-watering price tag.
Why you should care
The arrival of Samsung’s long-teased multi-fold – we got our first glimpse during the Galaxy S25 launch back in January – will see it make another bold play in the foldable market ahead of what is set to be a transformative year for the form factor in 2026.
Apple is being hotly tipped to launch the iPhone Fold in 2026, its first foray into foldables, and one which could explode the popularity of folding phones.
Samsung will be keen to reinforce its status as the leader in foldable phones before Apple introduces its first effort.
For now, Samsung’s only foldable rivals in the US are Google and Motorola, with the former a direct rival to the Z Fold series, and the latter only dealing in Z Flip-style foldables
Okay, so what’s next?
Samsung is rumored to be planning an Unpacked event on September 29.
Nothing is set in stone yet, and we’re still waiting on confirmation from Samsung on an upcoming launch event.
For now, if you are in the market for a folding phone you might want to check out the Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Or perhaps a better plan would be to start saving for the tri-fold.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
$1699 Amazon
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
$1919 Amazon
Via Phandroid
John is Managing Editor at Digital Trends. He’s been a consumer technology & automotive journalist for over a decade.