The Galaxy Z Fold8 has proven to be an instant hit, prompting Samsung to raise its production target by one million units for this year. But that’s only the beginning. According to insiders who spoke to ETNews, Samsung is gearing up to launch not one, but two wide foldables next year, bringing the total Galaxy Z9 lineup to five distinct devices.
If you’re counting, that’s: the standard wide Z Fold9, a second wide foldable (likely a larger or more premium variant), the Z Fold9 Ultra, the Z Flip9, and an all-new Galaxy Z TriFold. Contrary to earlier rumors, the Galaxy Z Flip series is very much alive and kicking. However, the budget-friendly Z Flip FE has reportedly been shelved indefinitely.
Five New Foldables: What We Know So Far
Samsung’s foldable strategy is clearly expanding. The company is no longer content with just a couple of devices per year. Instead, it’s building a full portfolio to cater to different users—from those who want a compact clamshell to those who crave a tablet-like experience that folds into a phone.
The Wide Foldables: Z Fold9 and a Mystery Sibling
The most intriguing development is the addition of a second wide foldable. While details are scarce, industry insiders suggest it could be a more affordable version of the Z Fold9, similar to how Samsung offers the Galaxy S24 FE alongside the flagship S24 series. Alternatively, it might be a device with a larger cover display or a different aspect ratio to differentiate it from the standard model.
What we do know is that Samsung is committed to the wide form factor. The success of the Z Fold8, which reportedly sold better than expected, has convinced the company to double down. The production increase of one million units for the current model is a clear signal of confidence.
Galaxy Z Fold9 Ultra: The Pinnacle of Foldables
The Z Fold9 Ultra is expected to be the most premium device in the lineup. It will likely feature the best camera system Samsung can offer, possibly including a 200-megapixel main sensor and improved periscope zoom. We can also expect a brighter, more energy-efficient display, and perhaps a built-in S Pen slot—something fans have been requesting for years.
This Ultra variant will sit at the top of the range, both in terms of specs and price. It’s aimed at power users who want the absolute best, regardless of cost.
Galaxy Z Flip9: The Compact Champion Lives On
Despite rumors that Samsung might discontinue the Flip line, the Z Flip9 is confirmed to be in development. The Flip series has been a favorite among those who value portability and style. The new model is expected to feature a larger cover screen, possibly making it more functional without needing to open the device.
There’s also talk of improved hinge durability and a more compact fold, which would make the phone even easier to slip into a pocket. The Z Flip9 will likely use the same flagship chipset as the Z Fold9, ensuring top-tier performance.
Galaxy Z TriFold: A New Form Factor
Perhaps the most exciting addition is the Galaxy Z TriFold. This device is expected to feature two hinges, allowing it to unfold into a tablet-sized screen. Samsung has been working on this concept for years, and it seems 2026 is finally the year it becomes a reality.
The TriFold could open up to around 10-12 inches of display space, making it a direct competitor to devices like the Huawei Mate XT. It’s likely to be positioned as a productivity powerhouse, ideal for multitasking, watching media, and even light productivity tasks like document editing.
However, the TriFold is also expected to be the most expensive device in the lineup, potentially costing over $2,500. It will be a niche product, but one that showcases Samsung’s technological leadership.
What Happened to the Z Flip FE?
Earlier this year, there were reports that Samsung was working on a cheaper Z Flip FE to compete with more affordable foldables from Chinese brands. However, the latest insider information suggests this project has been cancelled. The reasons are unclear, but it may be due to margin pressures or a strategic decision to focus on premium devices.
Instead of a budget Flip, Samsung seems to be focusing on the mid-range wide foldable, which could serve a similar purpose. This would allow the company to capture a wider audience without diluting the premium image of the Flip series.
Production and Market Strategy
Samsung’s decision to increase production of the Z Fold8 by one million units is a strong indicator of market demand. The company is likely expecting the foldable segment to grow significantly over the next year, and it wants to be prepared.
With five foldables planned for 2026, Samsung is clearly aiming to dominate the market. This aggressive strategy could put pressure on competitors like Google, OnePlus, and Motorola, who are also expanding their foldable lineups.
It’s also possible that Samsung is planning to launch these devices at different times throughout the year, rather than all at once. This would allow the company to maintain momentum and keep the spotlight on each product individually.
What This Means for Consumers
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect foldable, 2026 is going to be a great year. With five options to choose from, there will be a device for every budget and preference. Whether you want a compact flip phone, a productivity-focused tablet-phone hybrid, or an ultra-premium flagship, Samsung will have you covered.
Of course, all of this is based on insider reports, so we should take it with a grain of salt. Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed anything yet. But given the company’s track record and the momentum of the foldable market, it’s a safe bet that we’ll see at least some of these devices next year.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the official announcement. In the meantime, let us know in the comments which of these five foldables you’re most excited about.
