The foldable smartphone market is set to witness significant developments, with Samsung reportedly gearing up for upgraded displays in its next-generation foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. Renowned analyst Ross Young from Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) has revealed key insights into the devices, along with predictions for Apple’s anticipated entry into the foldable market.
Samsung Foldables: Bigger, Better, and Slimmer in 2025
According to Ross Young, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 will feature notable display upgrades:
- Galaxy Z Fold 7: Expected to retain the display size of the Fold 6 SE, with an 8-inch internal screen and a 6.5-inch cover screen, offering a large, immersive display experience.
- Galaxy Z Flip 7: Rumored to increase its main display size from 6.7 inches to 6.85 inches, with a 4-inch cover screen.
Young also notes that both models will become significantly slimmer, with a 10% reduction in thickness, enhancing portability and ergonomics.
Additionally, he claims that Samsung will not release a Special Edition (SE) version of the Fold 7 next year, marking a departure from its recent lineup strategy.
Apple’s Foldable: Launch Set for 2026
Apple is expected to enter the foldable market in the second half of 2026, a move that could transform the competitive landscape. Key details include:
- Design: Rumored to feature a clamshell/flip-style design rather than a traditional book-style fold.
- Display: Anticipated to sport a screen size between 7.9 and 8.3 inches, aligning with premium foldable standards.
- Impact on Market: The introduction of Apple’s foldable is projected to spur 30% growth in the foldable segment in 2026, followed by sustained growth of over 20% in 2027 and 2028.
While Apple’s plans remain subject to potential delays, the launch is expected to challenge established players like Samsung, which would already be on its 8th generation of foldable devices by then.
The Future of Foldables and Beyond
Ross Young also highlighted other exciting developments in the foldable and display markets:
- Tri-Fold Phones: At least one brand is expected to release a tri-fold smartphone in 2026, following Huawei’s Mate XT launch in September. Speculation suggests Samsung could be working on a similar design.
- Slidable Laptops: The first slidable laptop is expected to debut in 2025, with more models entering the market by 2026, potentially revolutionizing portable computing.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
