Samsung's 2027 Foldable Strategy: Six Devices and the Rollable Z Slide
Samsung is reportedly planning to launch six foldable devices in 2027, including a new rollable model called the Galaxy Z Slide, to counter Apple's iPhone Duo and address consumer fatigue with traditional folding designs.
Key points
- Samsung is rumored to be expanding its foldable lineup to six devices in 2027, including the Galaxy Z Slide, TriFold 2, Fold 9, Fold 9 Pro, Fold 9 Ultra, and Flip 9.
- The Galaxy Z Slide is a rollable phone concept that Samsung has trademarked since 2021, with prototypes shown at CES 2025.
- Apple's iPhone Duo has been heavily backordered, prompting Samsung to accelerate its foldable strategy.
- The Z Slide offers a crease-free experience but introduces mechanical complexity and potential durability concerns.
- Samsung's 2027 foldable strategy is seen as a direct response to Apple's market entry and consumer fatigue with traditional folding designs.
Background
Samsung has been exploring rollable phone concepts since 2021, with prototypes shown at CES 2025. The company's previous foldable devices, including the TriFold, have been popular but limited in availability. Apple's recent entry into the foldable market with the iPhone Duo has intensified competition, prompting Samsung to accelerate its foldable strategy.
How outlets are covering it
Gizmodo emphasizes the novelty of the Galaxy Z Slide and Samsung's aggressive approach to foldable innovation. 9to5Mac highlights Samsung's 'spray-and-pray' strategy in response to Apple's iPhone Duo. PhoneArena focuses on consumer interest in the Z Slide, noting that 43% of voters in a poll preferred it over traditional foldables. Android Central questions the practicality and pricing of the Z Slide, noting that concepts do not always translate well into reality.
Why it matters
Samsung's expansion of its foldable lineup signals a shift in the smartphone market, with companies moving beyond traditional folding designs to explore new form factors. The Z Slide, if successful, could redefine the foldable market and set a new standard for smartphone design.
What to watch
Samsung is expected to announce its 2027 foldable lineup at an Unpacked event, with the Galaxy Z Slide potentially debuting in the first half of 2027. The success of the Z Slide will depend on its practicality, durability, and pricing.
- Samsung Has Already Found the Next Way to Unfold a Phone Gizmodo
- Samsung fighting iPhone Duo by launching six foldable phones next year 9to5Mac
- Forget folding phones: Samsung fans are already obsessing over the Galaxy Z Slide PhoneArena
- Sliding into 2027? Galaxy Z rumors say Samsung could drop a sliding phone Android Central
- Dizzying lineup of Galaxy Z Fold 9 devices leaks, including the Galaxy Z ‘Slide’ 9to5Google
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