Samsung announced its new foldables and smartwatches yesterday. With the former category being the primary products being launched, some may have been expecting a surprise appearance of the tri-fold. This is especially when the thing was spotted within a One UI 8 build. That, obviously didn’t happen, but according to a report, it could have. Sort of.
Android Authority cites an anonymous Samsung executive who says that the device is actually ready to go for production. In fact, the company “had a tri-fold for some time, designed and everything. So it;s not a new concept to us. What we’re debating is the viability. When I say viability, is there really a demand for this form factor?”
Which is a fair question, though probably not the most accurate choice of words. On one hand, there’s probably plenty of people willing to try new things. But on the other, even the most curious potential first adopters will balk at the massive leap in price that devices of such a form factor may ask for. And based on the Huawei Mate XT, it can indeed be quite the leap.
The outlet also cites a Korean report which claims that the Samsung tri-fold, potentially called the G Fold, will enter production in September and launch in China and South Korea within Q4. Earlier reports have painted the device as exclusive to these two markets, which has also been recently confirmed by TM Roh, acting head of the Device Experience division, when speaking to The Korea Times.
(Source: Android Authority, the bell, The Korea Times)
