The Future of Folding Phones: Samsung’s Next Big Leap?

Not too long ago, foldable phones were a novelty with plenty of technical limitations. Over time, advancements in design and engineering have significantly improved these devices, and now, several companies are exploring new possibilities to push the boundaries even further.

Samsung pioneered the consumer foldable phone market in 2019 with the launch of the original Galaxy Fold. Now, after six years of innovation, the company is preparing to introduce the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 later this year. However, rumors suggest Samsung is also experimenting with a tri-folding flip phone, a design that could revolutionize the foldable market once again.

A newly discovered patent indicates that Samsung may be working on a device with a unique Z-shaped structure featuring two hinges. Unlike the current Z Flip models, which fold in half to create a compact design, this concept showcases a triple-fold mechanism, a triple-camera setup, and a more elongated display when fully extended. While patents don’t always translate into final products, the idea hints at Samsung’s continued ambition to refine and redefine foldable technology.

At MWC 2025, Infinix showcased its own take on a tri-folding concept with the Zero Series Mini Tri-Fold, demonstrating how such designs could serve multiple purposes beyond a traditional smartphone. While Samsung isn’t the first to explore this concept, it may be the brand to bring it into the mainstream. Meanwhile, speculation also surrounds a possible tri-fold book-style device from Samsung, which could compete directly with Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate.

While details remain uncertain, it seems more likely that a book-style tri-fold will hit the market before a tri-fold flip device. Whether either model will debut alongside Samsung’s upcoming foldables remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—folding phone technology is evolving rapidly, and Samsung continues to lead the charge.