Samsung’s first and only $3,000 dual-folding Galaxy Z TriFold launched and was discontinued faster before anyone could even sell their kidney to scrounge up the funds. Originally thought to be a one-off, as Samsung focuses on its single-folding devices like the new Z Fold 8, the Z TriFold might actually return in 2027.
According to ETNews (translated), Samsung is planning an even bigger push into premium phones next year, with eight flagship models planned. The report says that this is part of a “4+4” strategy, where four bar-style phones are released in the first half of 2027 and then four foldables in the second half. Samsung could use its two annual Galaxy Unpacked events to launch the devices.
The report claims that Samsung will release four versions of the Galaxy S27 series, up from the three models of the S26. The company will reportedly add a new “S27 Pro” alongside the regular S27, S27+, and S27 Ultra.
On the foldables front, ETNews says Samsung will launch a “Z Fold TriFold 2” with next year’s Z Flip 9, Z Fold 9, and Z Fold 9 Ultra phones. Before discontinuing sales for it, Samsung had said the Z TriFold was always intended to be limited production, designed to showcase its display and hinge innovations. The company reportedly produced only 30,000 units worldwide. Its chunky size and $3,000 price tag also meant that most wouldn’t have found it appealing, anyway.
There’s no news about what improvements the Z TriFold 2 could bring. Samsung added its Flex Titanium technology and anti-reflective screen layer that helps reduce the crease visibility on the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, but the thickness is unlikely to get significantly slimmer on a sequel Z TriFold. The first-gen dual-hinge Z TriFold is already 3.9mm at its thinnest point. One possibility is that Samsung could make a smaller version of the Z Fold TriFold, perhaps with the squatter dimensions of the Z Fold 8. However, that would also change the aspect ratio for the inner screen to one that’s much longer horizontally.
I wouldn’t bet on the pricing for any Z TriFold 2 to come down, either. The Z Fold series has only gotten more expensive. The original Galaxy Fold launched at $1,980, and seven years later, the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra start at $1,900 and $2,100, respectively. Another reason why pricing for the Z TriFold would remain around $3,000? The ongoing RAMageddon is causing price increases for all devices that require memory and storage. With even the largest tech companies like Apple and Microsoft unable to secure components, price hikes for devices from budget to premium will be unavoidable. The only way to pay less is to wait until there’s a discount.