Samsung is shifting its foldable phone strategy, placing increased emphasis on the Galaxy Z Fold 8. This move comes after the Galaxy Z Fold 7 outperformed expectations, even outselling the Galaxy Z Flip 7, a device that historically has been more popular with consumers. The company anticipates this trend will continue into 2026, initially planning to manufacture 3.5 million units of the Z Fold 8 compared to 2.5 to 3 million units of the Z Flip 8.
The success of the Z Fold 7 is largely attributed to its thinner form factor and reduced weight, representing a significant improvement over the Z Fold 6. While Samsung has been a key player in the foldable market, the slimmer design allowed it to better compete with offerings from Chinese manufacturers. The company believes this design element was a major driver of sales, and is likely to influence future iterations.
This marks a potential turning point in Samsung’s foldable strategy. Previously, the clamshell-style Z Flip series consistently outsold the book-style Z Fold. The planned production numbers for 2026 signal a belief that the larger, more versatile foldable is gaining traction with consumers. Combined shipments of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 reached approximately 6 million units last year, but this figure doesn’t include the more expensive and limited-availability Galaxy Z TriFold.
Samsung is also reportedly developing a “wider” Galaxy Z Fold 8, potentially as a direct response to Apple’s anticipated entry into the foldable market with the iPhone Fold. While details remain unconfirmed, this wider variant is expected to have similar pricing and specifications to the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8. This suggests Samsung is preparing a two-pronged approach to the foldable market, offering both a refined, slimmer design and a larger-screen option to cater to different user preferences.
The emergence of the Galaxy Z TriFold adds another layer of complexity to Samsung’s foldable lineup. However, due to its high price point and limited availability, it’s not expected to significantly impact sales of the Z Fold 8 or Z Flip 8. The TriFold represents a more experimental and premium offering, likely targeted at a niche market of early adopters and power users.
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is also set to receive a significant hardware upgrade, featuring the 2nm Exynos 2600 processor. This next-generation chip promises improved performance and efficiency, potentially addressing some of the battery life concerns that have plagued previous generations of foldable phones. The move to a 2nm process node represents a significant technological advancement, allowing for greater transistor density and reduced power consumption.
Apple’s impending launch of a foldable iPhone is clearly a major factor influencing Samsung’s strategy. Reports indicate Apple is prioritizing the development of its foldable device, potentially even over the standard iPhone 18, scheduled for release in 2026. This aggressive push into the foldable market by Apple is forcing Samsung to innovate and refine its offerings to maintain its competitive edge.
The competition between Samsung and Apple in the foldable space is expected to drive further innovation and lower prices, ultimately benefiting consumers. Samsung’s decision to increase production of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, coupled with the development of a wider variant, demonstrates its commitment to leading the foldable market. The company’s ability to successfully execute this strategy will be crucial in the face of Apple’s looming entry.
The initial production plan of 3.5 million Galaxy Z Fold 8 units represents a significant investment by Samsung, signaling a strong belief in the future of larger-screen foldables. Whether this production target will be met, and whether the Z Fold 8 can maintain its momentum against the competition, remains to be seen. However, the shift in focus towards the Z Fold series indicates a strategic realignment within Samsung, driven by consumer demand and the evolving competitive landscape.
