Samsung Electronics is getting ready to release its most ambitious folding device yet, but it’s keeping things hidden.
Most people have never seen anything like it, not only because of how it folds, but also because of the nature of the buildup and release.
For many readers and investors, the true story isn’t just what’s coming next. It’s about who gets to see it first and what Samsung could be saying by holding back.
There are six possible model versions of the Tri-Fold phone, known internally as Q7M. Yet, courtesy of market rumors, the United Arab Emirates is the only country with an almost-confirmed availability of the device.
Samsung doesn’t usually hold back like that, particularly when the product is as bold as this.
Nonetheless, investors are becoming increasingly confident.
UBS boosted its price estimate for Samsung shares by 15% on Nov. 4, citing stronger demand for DRAM chips and a longer duration for the memory upcycle.
The note also mentioned good operational momentum, an indication that some on Wall Street regard new ideas like the Tri-Fold as an incentive to invest in, rather than a danger.
Why the Tri-Fold phone could be Samsung’s biggest bet yet
People thought the Galaxy Z Fold was futuristic when Samsung showed it several years ago. The Tri-Fold is actually folding the future in on itself.
Bluetooth SIG documents that were leaked show that there will be six different model versions of the new gadget.
That means Samsung is serious about this. It’s creating something for a variety of different markets, even if it hasn’t been mentioned yet.
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Unusually, Samsung isn’t commenting.
The U.S. and Europe, which have always been strongholds for high-end Samsung handsets, are not on any verified launch list. The UAE is the only country currently receiving the gadget, per market speculation, although rumors suggest it may become available in other countries later.
This is not how a corporation that generally makes big news by releasing marquee products typically does things.
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But here is what makes this different: Samsung could be playing a longer, quieter game.
By restricting early access, it controls the story, creates the mood, and probably buys time to make a product that will set the standard for the rest of the industry. It’s not only about marketing; it’s about managing risk.
There are a lot more hinges, gadgets, and expectations this time around, so the stakes are much greater.
Is Q7M a fold too far, or a glimpse of what’s next?
At first glance, Samsung’s Q7M Tri-Fold appears to be something out of science fiction.
It folds in half, going from the size of a smartphone to something closer to a tablet, and then back again. Samsung showcased it behind glass during the APEC conference, but the details remain a secret.
In today’s digital age, when leaks occur frequently, this level of confidentiality is remarkable. It shows both trust and prudence.
If Samsung executes well, the use cases extend beyond spectacular demonstrations. A tri-fold shape would allow the phone to operate in three ways: as a small phone, as a full-screen workspace, and as a multitasking arrangement in between.
This may significantly enhance features such as split-screen applications, Galaxy AI enhancements, and desktop-style productivity capabilities, particularly when used in conjunction with Samsung’s other wearables and tablets.
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But the stakes go beyond what the technology can accomplish. It needs to be able to handle daily life.
Foldables already face problems related to hinge durability, battery strain, and screen longevity. The Tri-Fold makes things more complicated.
More folds, two hinges, and a larger internal display all indicate more potential points of failure. And those questions are especially important when consumers are likely to spend more than $2,000 on the device.
Wall Street is paying attention to Samsung
Analysts are already paying attention to Samsung’s long-term investments, even if the Tri-Fold isn’t in stores yet.
UBS increased its price target for Samsung this week, taking into account the rise in DRAM prices, better-than-expected profitability, and indicators that Samsung’s premium approach is working.
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The fact that the update occurred only days after the Tri-Fold was shown in public again demonstrates that the market values Samsung’s innovation story.
UBS’s optimistic view of Samsung:
- A target price increase of 15%
- Predictions for operating profit that are 24% higher than the average for 2026
- Predictions for profits in 2027 that are 15% higher than the average
- A positive prognosis for DRAM prices through the first quarter of 2027
- Maintaining a buy recommendation, despite worries about the HBM supply chain
This suggests that Samsung’s multi-front approach, which encompasses memory chips, mobile devices, and high-end innovation, is still receiving backing from investors, even though the world is currently unstable.
Here are Samsung’s real competitors in the foldables market
Samsung may have the first Tri-Fold ready for the big time, but it won’t be the only one for long.
Huawei has already sent its Mate Xs tri-foldables to several areas, making them available before Samsung.
In the second quarter of 2025, Motorola surprised the U.S. by capturing 28% of the foldable market, surpassing Samsung’s 9%. That was a headline no one saw coming, and it shows that the battle for foldables is far from over.
And then there’s Apple. There are increasing rumors about a foldable iPad and, ultimately, a foldable iPhone. These might be out as early as 2027.
If Apple enters the business, foldables might become very popular very quickly, much like wireless earbuds and smartwatches.
Samsung is the center of attention right now. But the real issue is how long it can keep it.
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