Samsung’s Next Foldable Release Expected Next Year

Samsung is developing new foldable and rollable screen technologies for its 2027 smartphone lineup, according to reporting from Esport1. The company aims to expand its flexible display portfolio beyond the standard fold and flip formats to include tri-fold and rollable devices, signaling a shift toward larger, adaptable screen real estate for its premium mobile segment.

Samsung 2027 Foldable and Rollable Hardware Plans

Industry reports indicate Samsung is targeting 2027 for the introduction of more complex screen architectures. This development includes the potential launch of the Galaxy Z Fold9 and Galaxy Z Flip9, alongside a specialized “Ultra” variant of the Fold series. The strategy focuses on diversifying how users interact with displays, moving from a single hinge to multi-hinge and motorized systems.

Central to these plans is the TriFold 2, a device capable of folding into three sections. This design would allow a handset to expand from a standard smartphone width into a full-sized tablet, bridging the gap between the Galaxy Z Fold series and the Galaxy Tab lineup.

Samsung is also pursuing rollable display technology. Unlike foldables that crease at a hinge, a rollable or “scrollable” screen uses a motorized mechanism to extend the display area. This allows the device to maintain a traditional phone form factor while providing a larger workspace on demand without the physical bulk of a folded chassis.

Display Innovation and Product Categories

The shift toward tri-fold and rollable screens represents an effort to create new product categories. According to Esport1, these innovations are designed to position Samsung’s 2027 flagship devices as high-end productivity tools rather than simple communication devices.

The technical challenges for these devices involve increasing the durability of the flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels and refining the mechanical components that drive the rolling or triple-folding motions. Samsung’s display division has previously showcased concept versions of these technologies, but the 2027 timeline suggests a move toward commercial viability.

The potential introduction of a Galaxy Z Fold9 Ultra would likely separate the foldable line into distinct tiers, with the Ultra model serving as the primary vehicle for the most advanced screen technology, such as the rollable or tri-fold panels, while the standard Z Fold and Z Flip models maintain the existing dual-fold format.

Competitive Context for Flexible Displays

Samsung’s push into tri-fold and rollable hardware comes as other manufacturers begin to explore similar form factors. By diversifying its 2027 roadmap, Samsung seeks to maintain its lead in the premium foldable market by offering more than just a book-style fold.

The integration of these displays requires significant software optimization. Android must adapt to screens that change aspect ratios dynamically—not just once, as with current foldables, but multiple times as a screen rolls out or unfolds into a third panel.

The company continues to iterate on its hinge mechanisms to reduce the visible crease and improve the longevity of the screen, which remains a primary concern for users of high-end flexible devices.