Mere weeks after the Galaxy Z Fold 8 launched, Samsung could’ve focused on boasting about its enormous success, but instead is forced to solve some serious production issues. Apparently, the demand for its first passport-style foldable is so high that the supply chain cannot keep up with the manufacturing of a specific chip.
Samsung is facing a display chip shortage because of the Z Fold 8 sales
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 production is facing a shortage of a specific chip, which is responsible for the control of the pixels on the OLED display of the device. According to a report (translated source) from ZDNet Korea, Samsung had to increase orders for Display Driver IC (DDI) chips because the demand for its foldable has exceeded its expectations.
However, completing the increased orders may not be as easy as it sounds, despite the DDI chip being produced on a 22 nm process. According to industry sources, United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), which is making the chip for Samsung, has reached its limit.
Samsung has requested an express service from UMC, called “super hot run,” but the Taiwan-based chipmaker may find this would be difficult. To comply with the request, UMC will need to adjust production plans for other products, as its 22 nm node is currently producing other semiconductors.
Saving the Galaxy Z Fold 8 with inventory meant for future products
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. | Image by PhoneArena
In an attempt to meet the surprising demand for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Samsung is reportedly trying to redirect DDI inventory originally secured for future product development toward current production. The time UMC may need to complete a finished DDI product on a “normal run” is approximately four months, so the Korean company has to manage its inventory carefully.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, has been a smashing success since day one, with early reports claiming its pre-orders outpaced even the Galaxy S26 series. In only 12 days, the new foldables were on pace to become the most pre-ordered Z series phones ever, running 30% ahead of the previous record-holding Z Fold generation. This success was in large part due to the passport-style model, which made up nearly half of all pre-orders.
What do you think about passport-style foldables?
Our Galaxy Z Fold 8 review was quite positive, but my colleague Victor found the cover screen optimization wasn’t great, especially with some apps. He also pointed at the weird speaker situation and the cameras, which are not as good as the ones on the Z Fold 8 Ultra and the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
However, he also thought the new form factor makes the phone feel right, which is something many people on Reddit would agree with. Dubbed as the best-looking Samsung phone ever, the Z Fold 8 appears to win people’s hearts with its small size and nice design.
Redditors are truly excited about the Z Fold 8. | Image by Reddit (screenshot
Why can’t Samsung just use chips from other models?
Z Fold 8 appears to be more popular than its foldable peers. | Image by PhoneArena
Unlike memory chips and processors, DDI chips are not general-purpose products that can be used between different models. The specifications of the DDI chip for the Z Fold 8 are unique to this model, which makes the production dependent on the production capacity Samsung has secured.
This development clearly shows that Samsung vastly underestimated how much everyone wants a passport-style foldable. Considering the foldable iPhone Ultra will use the same form factor and it’s reportedly facing production issues of its own, there’s a chance that Apple will find itself in a similar situation.
Not the worst type of problem for Samsung
As painful as being unable to sell as many phones as people want to buy may be, I find it difficult to feel pity for Samsung. Surprising demand is probably the best problem a smartphone manufacturer can face amid a supply chain and memory price crisis that is wrecking chaos across the industry.
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Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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