Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 does not support the S Pen to maintain a thinner, lighter design, but the company is developing new, innovative S Pen technologies that could reintroduce stylus support in future models, contingent on performance and demand.
Samsung has teased a new 'Ultra' foldable device, likely called Galaxy Z Fold Ultra, emphasizing its sleek design and powerful multitasking capabilities, with AI features and a compact form factor, set to be part of its upcoming foldable lineup including the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7.
Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, named W25, and the W25 Flip in China, featuring luxurious designs with golden accents and advanced specifications. The W25 includes a ceramic back, a 200MP camera, and up to 1TB storage, while both models run on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chips and Android 14-based One UI 6.1.1. They also introduce a next-gen Bixby with improved natural language processing. Prices are yet to be announced.
Samsung's One UI 6.1.1 introduces a 'narrow view' option for Galaxy Z Fold devices, allowing apps to fit properly on the foldable displays by narrowing down the app's UI. This feature ensures content is displayed correctly and aids one-handed operation. It will be available on older Galaxy Z Fold models with the One UI 6.1.1 update.
Samsung is rumored to be expanding its Galaxy Z Fold lineup into a family of devices, similar to the Galaxy S series, in an effort to establish foldable phones as the new norm and make them more accessible to a wider audience. Reports suggest the development of a new tri-folding device to compete with Huawei, as well as a cheaper version of the Galaxy Z Fold. With increasing competition in the foldable phone market and the broader smartphone space, Samsung's potential expansion of the Z Fold series could help maintain its position as a leader in the foldable phone market.
Samsung has registered the names of its upcoming foldable phones, including the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Flip 7, Fold 6, and Fold 7, with the World Intellectual Property Office. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 already features a 50MP main camera, and the new models may come with the ISOCELL GNK sensor used by the Pixel 8 Pro. Samsung has dismissed rumors of lower-priced foldable models, clarifying that there won't be any budget options in the near future.
Samsung is rumored to be considering the release of a cheaper version of its foldable phone, possibly as part of its Galaxy Z Fold or Z Flip line, in 2024. The price range for this mid-range market smartphone is estimated to be around $400 to $500. While foldable phones have been expensive to produce, the cost is expected to come down in the future, making foldable smartphones more affordable. However, until confirmed by Samsung, this news should be treated as hearsay.
Samsung has filed a patent detailing designs for a Galaxy Z Fold device with a built-in slot for the S Pen stylus. The patent showcases various designs, with the stylus either attaching to the back or side of the device, allowing it to maintain a slim profile. While it remains uncertain when this feature will be implemented, Samsung is taking steps to protect its design. However, it is unclear if the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 will include this feature.
The OnePlus Open, a rebranded version of the Oppo Find N3, supports stylus input thanks to its compatibility with the Oppo Pen. While the Galaxy Z Fold lineup offers a superior stylus experience with its specialized S Pen, the OnePlus Open provides a more affordable option with a wider outer screen and faster wired charging. However, the Oppo Pen may be difficult to obtain, limiting the stylus experience for OnePlus Open users. Overall, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 remains the top choice for those seeking the best stylus experience in a foldable phone.
Samsung expects to ship over 10 million foldable phones this year, with the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 projected to sell 8-10% higher than their predecessors. However, the global economic recession has led to a drop in component orders, falling short of earlier expectations. Despite this, reaching the 10 million mark would be a significant milestone for Samsung. Additionally, the company is reportedly planning to launch the Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, a month ahead of its usual timeframe, in response to strong demand for the iPhone 15 series.
Samsung has registered the names Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 for its future book-style foldables, showing its continued faith in the foldables market. Other companies like Huawei, Oppo, and Vivo are also investing in the foldables market. However, the validation of the foldable phone market may not happen until Apple releases a foldable iPhone, which is not currently in Apple's plans.
Instagram is finally rolling out a new UI for big screens, optimized for foldables and tablets, but it appears to be exclusive to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. The new layout features a side-mounted navigation rail, with Stories at the top and the feed expanded to either side. Reels maintain a fixed aspect ratio with black bars for padding. The update is rolling out slowly and seems to be account-specific. While Google has been pushing for better support for foldables, it's ironic that Instagram's optimization is on Android first, rather than on iPad for Apple's tablets.
Samsung's head of mobile, T.M. Roh, hinted at a slimmer and lighter design for the next generation of Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip phones in a recent blog post. The company is expected to showcase these new foldable devices at its Unpacked event on July 26, which may also feature a revamped hinge and larger screen for the Flip model. Preorders for the new devices are available with a $50 credit, and the event will be livestreamed on Samsung's website.
Samsung has announced that it will unveil its latest generation of foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip, during its Unpacked event on July 26th. The event will be livestreamed from Seoul, South Korea, and pre-release leaks suggest that the devices will feature a refined hinge mechanism and a larger front-facing cover display. Samsung is offering a $50 reservation credit for those who pre-order the devices sight unseen.
Samsung has announced that its next Unpacked event will take place on July 26, where the company is expected to unveil new foldable devices. As competition in the foldable phone market grows, Samsung's next Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold will be crucial in maintaining its leadership position. The event will be held in Seoul, marking the first time it has been hosted in Samsung's home country. Samsung is also offering reservations for its upcoming Galaxy devices, with a $50 credit incentive. Leaks suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 may feature a thinner design with a new water-drop style hinge, while the Galaxy Z Flip 5 could have a larger cover screen. Additionally, there are rumors of a new Galaxy Watch 6 with a rotating bezel.