UAE to Receive Samsung’s First Special Edition TriFold Phone
The UAE will be among the first countries to receive the Galaxy Z TriFold, a triple-folding smartphone launching shortly after its domestic release on December 12. The device arrives as a premium “special edition” model, and it carries a price of $2,443, which is more than twice the cost of the latest iPhone. Although the price limits its accessibility, the launch still signals a bold step in next-generation mobile design. Additionally, the phone can shapeshift into a 10-inch display, and this flexibility offers expanded possibilities for both creative and professional tasks.
Super thin and engineered to fold into multiple forms, the TriFold introduces a new approach to productivity on a handheld device. While Huawei introduced a similar triple-fold device last year, Samsung’s model aims to broaden the appeal of advanced folding technology. Growth in the smartphone market has remained inconsistent, and manufacturers are therefore turning to distinctive designs to stand out. Khaleej Times requested local release information, but details are still pending.
Early Global Rollout and Expanding Competition
The TriFold will be available first in South Korea, followed by rollouts in China, Singapore, Taiwan and the UAE before the end of the year. A U.S. release may follow early next year. Although the device is positioned as a high-end product, it also integrates generative AI features that provide real-time guidance through screen or camera sharing. Offered only in black, it weighs 309 grams and measures less than 0.2 inches at its thinnest point. These features reinforce its identity as a futuristic tool rather than a mainstream handset.
Samsung leaders have acknowledged its limited market intent, saying the Galaxy Z TriFold was “not intended for mass sales.” Alex Lim, executive vice president at Samsung Electronics, described it as a “special edition” model. Despite this niche positioning, the launch adds pressure to a competitive industry that continues to evolve rapidly. Apple has long been rumored to be developing a foldable device, and many expect its version to debut soon.
Market Shifts Intensify Ahead of 2029
Industry data suggests Apple may overtake Samsung for the first time in 14 years and maintain that lead through 2029. Analysts project Apple will capture a 19.4 percent market share next year, while Samsung may hold 18.7 percent. This shift, therefore, highlights intensifying competition as both brands introduce new form factors. Although the Galaxy Z TriFold aims to push boundaries, the broader smartphone race continues to accelerate, and companies see innovation as the key to future dominance.
