- Samsung publicly showed a real tri-fold prototype in a glass case at an APEC-adjacent showcase in South Korea.
- Rumors point to a 6.5-inch cover screen and up to ~10 inches when fully opened via dual inward hinges.
- Launch timing is being pegged to this week’s APEC events, with early availability in Asia and the Middle East; the UAE is repeatedly named among likely markets.
- Specs are still in flux. Leaks mention top-tier silicon and big batteries, but no confirmed pricing.
After years of demos and patents, Samsung put a real, physical tri-fold device on public display in South Korea, letting the press shoot photos through a display case. The unit appears close to production rather than a wild concept, signalling an imminent unveil.
Multiple outlets report that Samsung is tying the formal reveal to APEC-linked events this week, which tracks with the public showcase timing.
Design: two hinges, three modes
Based on what’s visible and reported:
- Dual in-folding hinges that close the panels like a “G” when viewed from the top.
- 6.5-inch cover screen for phone-style use.
- Up to ~10-inch canvas when fully unfolded, turning the device into a compact tablet.
This approach keeps the main displays protected when shut and creates a larger inner canvas than a standard Fold-style device.
Rumoured specs (still unofficial)
|
Component |
What’s being reported |
|---|---|
|
Chipset |
Current-gen Snapdragon class (naming varies by outlet) |
|
Displays |
~6.5-inch cover, up to ~10-inch unfolded, OLED |
|
Cameras |
High-end primary sensor rumored (numbers vary) |
|
Battery |
Multi-cell pack to service three panels |
|
OS |
One UI build tuned for tri-panel multitasking |
Early reports claim a flagship-tier processor and a camera stack borrowed from Samsung’s premium line, but Samsung hasn’t confirmed any of this yet.
Where will it sell first?
This is the fun bit for us. Several credible reports suggest a limited regional launch first, focusing on South Korea, greater China and parts of Asia, with the UAE called out as likely early availability. The US may have to wait.
If true, expect UAE retailers and telcos to get seeded units not long after the formal unveil, similar to how premium Samsung devices typically roll out here.
Why the tri-fold matters
- Bigger canvas without a tablet: A tri-fold can hit near-tablet sizes while fitting in a pocket.
- New multitasking tricks: Three panels could enable split-split views and more flexible app layouts.
- Category leadership: Samsung’s foldables set the pace in the region; a tri-fold extends that lead if pricing and durability hold up.
Open questions
- Price: Nothing official yet. Expect well above current Fold pricing given the extra hardware.
- Durability and crease management: Two hinges, more stress points. Samsung’s hinge and UTG story needs to be airtight.
- App optimisation: One UI has to make three-stage layouts feel native, not gimmicky.
Timeline snapshot
- Public showcase: Tri-fold shown in a display case in South Korea this week.
- Unveil window: Reported to align with APEC-week activity.
- 2025 launch target: Samsung exec chatter earlier this year pointed to a release within 2025, which the current sightings support.
Bottom line for UAE buyers
If you’ve been waiting for a true tablet-class foldable that still fits in a pocket, this is the one to watch. All signs point to the UAE being in the first wave, but final confirmation of pricing, storage tiers and exact availability is still pending the formal launch.