Rumors are circulating about a forthcoming Samsung device, which is expected to be a ‘Slim’ version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 foldable phone. Sources indicate that the launch date is fast approaching. This update is said to transform Samsung’s flagship foldable into a significantly thinner model, tentatively named the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, with several enhancements.
According to major leaks, this development will strengthen Samsung’s position in the foldable smartphone market, giving it a competitive edge, particularly as new foldable devices continue to emerge.
SamMobile recently published a report expanding on the rumors of Samsung’s new foldable smartphone, suggesting a late October release. The slimmer version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, likely the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, is expected to be unveiled next Friday, October 25. It remains unclear whether Samsung will hold a dedicated event for this release, but speculation points toward an end-of-month debut.
Evan Blass, a well-known leaker, has shared renders of the rumored Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, along with its thinner dimensions. When folded, the new device is just 10.6mm thick, and when unfolded, it measures a mere 4.9mm, offering a sleek and lightweight design.
Samsung’s Response to Rising Competition from Chinese Brands
Samsung is reportedly including a 6.5-inch cover screen and an expansive 8-inch internal foldable display. However, few additional details have been provided. The reports suggest that Samsung is pushing to release the new foldable as quickly as possible to compete with its Chinese rivals, who are gaining ground in the foldable smartphone market.
At this point, pricing and availability details for the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition in global markets have yet to be disclosed.
The Foldable Smartphone Market Evolution
The resurgence of Motorola’s Razr flip phone marked one of the earliest forays into the modern foldable smartphone market, boosting the company’s popularity worldwide. Similarly, Samsung was among the first to introduce a foldable device with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold.
That said, the title of the first commercially available foldable smartphone belongs to the Royole FlexPai, developed by Royole, a Chinese technology company based in the U.S.
Samsung and Motorola’s Android-based foldable phones paved the way for other companies to enter the foldable niche, with Chinese brands increasingly capturing a significant share of the market. Although Samsung helped popularize foldable smartphones, it now faces fierce competition, especially from Chinese companies offering more affordable devices with cutting-edge features.
To maintain its market share, Samsung appears to be diversifying its foldable lineup, with rumours pointing to the late October launch of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition as part of this strategy.
