Samsung’s prospects for its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are looking increasingly uncertain. Despite being the global leader in smartphone sales, the company seems to be struggling in the foldable segment, which no longer enjoys the same rapid growth it once did. 
Various market reports have highlighted this trend, and it appears the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are unlikely to reverse the fortunes of Samsung’s foldable line.
According to reliable sources within Korea’s tech industry, Samsung has made multiple revisions to its production targets for the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 in the past few weeks alone. Initially, the company had ambitious plans for the Z Fold 7, which boasts two large screens, a 200MP primary camera, and the advanced Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. These features sounded like a surefire recipe for success. However, Samsung’s production goal of 800,000 units for the Z Fold 7’s release in July has already been revised down twice, now sitting at a significantly lower 630,000 units.
This dramatic reduction signals a growing concern within Samsung, especially considering the Z Fold 7’s flagship status. Samsung must be realizing that foldable phones with a book-like design just don’t have the same appeal as flip-style models, which have seen more success in the market.
As for the Z Flip 7, it’s also facing a more cautious production plan. Originally targeting 590,000 units, that number has now been revised to 550,000 for the initial run. While the drop isn’t as drastic as that for the Z Fold 7, it reflects a similarly cautious approach. Samsung’s flip-style foldables, while popular, still face challenges in a competitive market.
The situation looks even more dire for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, a budget-friendly version expected to launch in July. Its production has been slashed even further, from a target of 210,000 units to just 160,000 units for its initial run. This sharply reduced number shows just how much faith Samsung is placing in this device, which is still trying to carve a niche for itself in an already crowded market.
However, it’s important to note that these production cuts aren’t necessarily indicative of doomed sales figures. Samsung might simply be taking a cautious approach, adjusting its expectations based on the current economic environment and its historical experience with foldables. While the Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE may not hit the heights Samsung once hoped for, it’s still too early to judge their final success or failure.
The previous Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, despite modest success, sold a combined total of around 5 million units in the first few months. The Z Flip 7, for example, might not come close to that number, but even a moderate success would help Samsung retain its leadership in the foldable category. With foldable phones still seen as a niche product, Samsung is likely betting that higher-than-expected demand will lead to scarcity, driving up both interest and prices.
In conclusion, the foldable market might not be ready for a massive explosion just yet, but Samsung is taking calculated risks. Its strategy seems designed to protect itself from potential losses while also positioning itself for future growth in this still-developing sector. The release of a potential tri-fold device could still be in the cards, though it’s likely to be a high-end, limited edition with little impact on overall foldable sales.