Samsung's Big Foldable Gamble: Will It Pay Off?

Samsung is set to unveil its latest folding phones on July 9th, with high hopes that the addition of the "Ultra" name will make a significant impact. But will this be enough to drive more sales?

The Current State of Folding Phones

Folding phones still represent a small fraction of the smartphone market, accounting for only 1.5% of all smartphones sold in 2024. While Motorola has seen some success with its flip-style folding phones, the overall adoption of these devices has been slower than expected.

Samsung's Past Efforts

Samsung has been selling folding phones for years, but they haven't achieved the same level of popularity as regular smartphones. Last year's models, such as the Z Flip 6 and Fold 6, offered only incremental improvements like software enhancements and a slightly thinner design. These changes were not enough to excite many buyers.

Upcoming Changes

This time, Samsung appears to be planning more substantial changes. The company is expected to introduce an Ultra-branded Fold phone with a thinner design. The Z Flip 7 might feature a larger screen covering most of the front, and there might be a cheaper FE version with an older screen design. These updates could address common complaints about folding phones, such as their high price and tradeoffs compared to regular phones.

Concerns and Challenges

Despite these improvements, there are still concerns. Folding phones are more susceptible to dust damage than regular phones, and repairs can be more expensive. Samsung has been working on making its folding phones fully dustproof, but this goal has not yet been achieved. Asking consumers to invest heavily in a phone that might not be as durable as a regular one is a challenging proposition, especially with rising prices for other essentials.

Future Prospects

There is hope for the future of folding phones. Analysts are excited about rumors of a folding phone from Apple expected in 2026. An iFold could significantly boost the market, particularly in the US, and potentially help Samsung's folding phones gain more traction. With new models at different price points and an Ultra folding phone with top specs, Samsung might convince more consumers to consider folding phones. And for those waiting for an extra hinge, Samsung might have that covered too.