Samsung is reportedly pulling back on the production targets for its next wave of foldable devices, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7. Sources from Korea indicate that Samsung is eyeing a modest production total of 5 million units, split between 3 million Flip 7s and 2 million Fold 7s. This is a sharp drop from the 8.2 million units they aimed for with the Fold 6 and Flip 6.
The reason behind this cutback? Well, according to ETNews, the sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 didn’t meet expectations. Only 910,000 units were pre-ordered, down from the 1.02 million of the previous generation. The foldable market is getting crowded, with Chinese competitors and brands like Motorola now leading in the U.S., according to IDC stats shared by Fanboy_Moto on X.
Motorola has surpassed Samsung in foldable market share in the US!!
Q1-Q3 2024 pic.twitter.com/QPrFV131gu
— MotoFanboy (@Fanboy_Moto) December 20, 2024
It looks like Samsung is adjusting its sails according to the winds of consumer demand. While foldables are cool and innovative, their steep prices and appeal to a specific crowd haven’t led to widespread adoption. Samsung is focusing more on its classic flagship models. They’re ramping up production for the Galaxy S25 series to about 40.4 million units, a 7% bump from the S24, including a new “Slim” model.
This shift isn’t just a Samsung thing; other foldable makers are reportedly also dialing back their ambitions, as highlighted by 9to5Google. Even so, Samsung isn’t giving up on foldables; they’re also exploring new designs to stir up some excitement.
By reducing foldable output and betting more on the Galaxy S line, Samsung seems to be playing it smart, prioritizing profit over sheer numbers. Whether this approach will help Samsung regain its footing in the cutthroat smartphone industry is up in the air, but for now, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 are set to make a measured advance rather than a giant stride.
Which foldable smartphone company do you think will dominate in 2025? Let us know in the comments section below.