An executive from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has indicated that the company has not yet finalized decisions regarding the launch of a successor to its ultra-thin smartphone line or a next-generation triple-folding handset. Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of the Mobile Experience (MX) division, shared these insights following the unveiling of the new Galaxy S26 series. He mentioned that Samsung is still evaluating the future of the ultra-thin category, which debuted last year with the Galaxy S25 Edge but saw sales that were relatively modest compared to other models in the company's portfolio.
Choi also stated that the company has not committed to producing a new version of the TriFold, a triple-folding phone priced around $3,000 that features two hinges and unfolds into a large tablet. However, he hinted that Samsung is developing a wider version of the standard Galaxy Z Fold, a device that could potentially compete with Apple's rumored first foldable phone.
The outlook for the Edge series remains uncertain. Last year, Samsung launched its first ultra-thin phone—measuring just 5.8mm thick—in an attempt to gain an early market advantage ahead of the iPhone Air. Choi noted that sales of the device were "relatively lower than other product lines," partly due to its battery life being inferior to the company's premium models. As a result, the company is assessing the future of this product line, and a decision on a successor model has not been made.
Regarding foldable phones, while Samsung did not introduce a new foldable model this week, the category remains a key focus. In late January, Samsung became the first company to launch a triple-folding phone in the US. The $2,900 device sold out quickly on Samsung's website, and the company is currently gathering feedback from early users. Choi admitted that the TriFold project was initially not his preferred initiative due to its engineering complexity and the need for custom components. Despite its technical achievements, the high price and substantial weight and thickness when folded limit its appeal to a niche, luxury market. The future of this sub-category is therefore still under consideration.
Choi confirmed that another Galaxy Fold model, featuring a single fold instead of a triple fold, is scheduled for release this summer. He also discussed the possibility of a wider, book-style foldable that could offer some of the TriFold's entertainment benefits at a lower price point, catering to users who prioritize media consumption on a larger screen.
Separately, Choi revealed that the prominent privacy display feature on the Galaxy S26 Ultra was delayed by a year from its original target for the S25 Ultra. The Privacy Display technology, which makes it harder for others to view the screen from an angle by disabling certain pixels, can be activated for individual applications. The project began about three to four years ago, initiated by a Samsung engineer, and was developed in collaboration with Samsung Display Co. While currently exclusive to flagship models, the technology may eventually be extended to other devices once it matures further.
Finally, regarding the S-Pen stylus, a hallmark feature of the Galaxy Note and later Ultra models, Choi mentioned that development continues on a next-generation version with advanced technologies aimed at reducing the structural cost of S-Pen support. He affirmed that the S-Pen will remain a core technology for Samsung, though no specific details were provided.
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