August 18, 2026 — the mobile technology market is on the brink of massive changes. South Korean giant Samsung, building on the commercial success of its current flagship Galaxy Fold 8, is preparing an unprecedented expansion of its flexible device portfolio. According to recent leaks and insider data, the company plans to release a record five models of foldable smartphones in 2027, which will serve as a response to both user demand and the expected competition from Apple.
The end of the 'black bar' era: transition to a wide format
The key driver of changes in the Galaxy Fold lineup was feedback from reviewers and early users of the Fold 8 model. Despite acknowledging the technological maturity of the device, critics unanimously pointed out the inconvenience of the 4:3 screen aspect ratio. When watching most video content shot in standard cinematic formats, users encountered the letterboxing effect — the appearance of wide black bars at the top and bottom of the display.
Samsung engineers decided to radically fix this situation. A new version of the device with a changed screen geometry is in development. It is expected that the aspect ratio will be closer to the 16:9 or 16:10 standard. This will not only solve the video viewing problem but also make the smartphone significantly wider when unfolded, which is critical for multitasking mode and working with spreadsheets or documents.
Five models in one year: a strategy of total coverage
2027 will be a turning point for Samsung. The company intends to cover all possible price segments and usage scenarios by releasing five different foldable devices at once. The list of expected novelties includes:
- Galaxy Fold 9 (Base version): A direct successor to the current lineup with improved performance.
- Galaxy Fold 9 Wide: A new model with a wide screen, optimized for media and work.
- Galaxy Fold 9 Ultra: A premium modification with an elongated screen and maximum technical specifications for enthusiasts.
- Budget version of Fold 9: A simplified model designed to make the technology more accessible (against the backdrop of the Fold 8's starting price of $1899).
- Galaxy Z TriFold 2: The second generation of the three-section smartphone.
The revival of TriFold: lessons from the past
Special attention is being paid to the successor of the conceptual smartphone with two bends — the Galaxy Z TriFold. The first generation of this device became a victim of its own ambition: it was discontinued just three months after a limited release. The main reasons for the failure were the extremely high price of $2900 and production difficulties.
However, Samsung has not abandoned the idea. Engineers promise that the Galaxy Z TriFold 2 will be more compact and, most importantly, more affordable. The company plans to optimize the supply chain and simplify the hinge construction to make the device mass-market.
An arms race: the answer to Apple
Samsung's aggressive expansion in the foldable device market is not accidental. The industry is widely discussing the expected release of the first foldable iPhone from Apple. The Korean giant aims to occupy all niches and set quality standards before the main competitor enters the market. The announcement of the new lineup is expected no earlier than the summer of 2027 during the traditional Samsung Unpacked presentation.
