Samsung is expanding its foldable smartphone lineup with three new models, including a device in a “passport” format, as the company navigates rising memory chip costs and the potential entry of Apple into the foldable market. According to Menno van den Berg, chair of the European Telecom Office, the shift toward diverse form factors reflects seven years of consumer data indicating that a “one size fits all” approach is no longer effective for foldable users.
Diversifying the Foldable Form Factor
The introduction of the new passport-sized foldable is a strategic response to changing media consumption habits. Menno van den Berg notes that research shows a significant increase in users watching videos, reading digital publications, and gaming on their mobile devices. The new Galaxy Z Fold8 is specifically optimized for these entertainment-heavy tasks, distinguishing it from the Ultra model, which continues to serve as the technological flagship of the Galaxy series.
Market projections remain optimistic despite increased competition. According to Van den Berg, the foldable market is expected to grow by approximately 20 percent this year, with the potential to double in size next year. Rather than fearing internal competition between models, Samsung views these additions as a way to capture different user needs, with the passport-sized device potentially becoming the most popular of the three.
Did you know?
Samsung held a 40 percent market share in the foldable sector last year. Market analysts suggest this could shift to approximately 32 percent this year, driven by the anticipated entry of Apple into the foldable space and the performance of Huawei in China.
The Impact of Rising Component Costs
The latest generation of foldables arrives during a period of volatility for the semiconductor industry. The price of memory chips has risen sharply, largely due to the intense demand from artificial intelligence data centers. Van den Berg explains that while these costs are a factor, the higher price point of new smartphones also reflects significant hardware innovations.
These upgrades include more powerful processors, the implementation of Flex Titanium technology—which balances structural durability with a thinner profile—and increased battery capacity, such as the 5,000 mAh battery featured in the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. While trade-in programs help mitigate the retail price for consumers, Van den Berg cautions that memory sector pressures suggest prices are unlikely to decrease in the near term.
From Individual AI Features to Agentic AI
Samsung is shifting its focus from discrete AI functions to what it labels “agentic AI.” While initial Galaxy AI tools were limited to tasks like text summarization and photo editing, the new generation of devices aims to provide a more integrated experience. Van den Berg suggests that phones will increasingly anticipate user intent by allowing apps to communicate with one another.
For example, if a user searches for a location in Google Maps, the device may proactively suggest booking a ride via an Uber integration. This automation is intended to work in the background, making AI a seamless part of daily smartphone utility rather than a collection of separate, manual features.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Samsung releasing a passport-sized foldable? It is designed to meet the growing demand for devices optimized for video consumption, digital reading, and gaming, according to Menno van den Berg.
- Are foldable smartphones becoming more expensive? Yes, due to rising memory chip costs and the inclusion of advanced hardware like Flex Titanium and larger batteries.
- What is “agentic AI”? It refers to AI that coordinates between different apps to perform proactive tasks, such as suggesting an Uber ride after a map search, rather than just performing single, isolated functions.
Pro Tip: If you are considering an upgrade to a new foldable, check your manufacturer’s trade-in program. Many companies offer significant credits for older models that can help offset the current price increases in the smartphone market.
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