Samsung Pulls the Plug on Galaxy Z TriFold Just Months After Launch

Daily Technology

18/03/2026

Samsung has abruptly ceased sales of its ambitious Galaxy Z TriFold foldable phone, a mere three months after its initial release in the US. The high-priced device, which offered a unique trifold design, is being phased out, starting with its home market in South Korea and followed by the US as existing inventory runs out.

Key Takeaways

Samsung is discontinuing sales of the Galaxy Z TriFold less than three months after its US launch.
The device was reportedly intended as a technological showcase rather than a high-volume seller.
Rising component costs may have impacted the profitability of the expensive foldable.

A Short-Lived Debut

The Galaxy Z TriFold, announced in December 2025 and launched in South Korea on December 12th, went on sale in the US on January 30th with a hefty price tag of $2,899. The phone featured a 6.5-inch cover screen that could unfold into a larger 10-inch display, thanks to its dual hinges. However, its market presence has been brief, with reports indicating that sales were limited, with only around 3,000 units sold on release days in South Korea.

Reasons for the Halt

Sources suggest the Galaxy Z TriFold was conceived as a "flagship showcase" to highlight Samsung's engineering capabilities in creating a trifold device, rather than a product designed for mass market appeal or significant profit. Furthermore, the rapidly increasing costs of essential components like DRAM and NAND flash memory, partly driven by demand for AI-related computing, are believed to have squeezed profit margins considerably. An industry expert noted that the phone was more about demonstrating technological prowess than generating sales revenue.

CNET's Perspective and Future

CNET had previously reviewed the Galaxy Z TriFold, describing it as "versatile, innovative and practical," though acknowledging it as a niche device "not for everyone." Despite its quick exit from the market, Samsung has not definitively ruled out the possibility of a future iteration or a wider release. Won-Joon Choi, COO of Samsung's Mobile Experience Business, indicated in a recent interview that decisions regarding the device's future, including potential updates, are still under consideration.

For consumers interested in alternative foldable form factors, other options like the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate (not available in the US) and the concept Tecno Phantom Ultimate G have been showcased.

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