The next big thing in folding cell phones is said to be the so-called tri-fold cell phone. This foldable cell phone has two hinges and three different parts that combine to form one large screen. It resembles a modern book-like foldable phone, but with one-third more display space. Samsung is reportedly developing such a phone, but it is unlikely we will see it next year.

According to display analyst Ross Young (via X), Samsung is likely to launch a tri-fold phone in early 2026. We had previously heard reports that the device could appear in late 2025, but Young does not believe that will be the case.

The only tri-fold phone actually available today is Huawei's Mate XT Ultimate Design. It is a very good looking device and expensive even by folding phone standards, but not an easy buy. Huawei is not very big in the international cell phone market and in fact is banned from selling cell phones in the US

. This gives Samsung a huge advantage when it launches a tri-fold phone, or when any other company launches its first tri-fold phone outside of China. It may not be Samsung, but everything we have heard so far suggests that it will be. In fact, ZDNET Korea claims that all the components are made and ready to go.

Clearly, Ross Young knows something we don't, and the Galaxy 3-fold launch may be a little later than others claim. Unfortunately, we do not know what is causing that delay.

One thing we are hearing is that Samsung may not be adopting Huawei's approach of leaving part of the screen exposed to the elements when folded. Instead, Samsung is said to use an “in-folding design” similar to the Z Fold 6, which would better protect all folded panels when not in use.

Beyond that, we unfortunately don't know much about the phone. We will just have to wait and see what Samsung will offer - whenever it actually does offer it.