Galaxy Z Fold 7 for illustrative purposes. | Image by PhoneArena
Samsung’s next foldables are fast approaching. While the official announcement is expected at a July 22 Galaxy Unpacked event, supply chain rumors suggest the tech giant is finalizing a major shift in its manufacturing strategy.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide: big expectations
According to Korean outlet ETNews (machine translated), Samsung is reportedly betting big on its first-ever wide foldable device, boosting manufacturing targets well ahead of the launch.
The report indicates that the tech giant might have reconsidered its initial three-month production plans for the Z Fold 8 Wide. A potential increase of 200,000 to 300,000 units is reportedly being considered.
The low-quality dummy model of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide has already appeared online. Its build quality is far from the real device, so it should only be used as a rough reference.
From what I know, Samsung’s internal testers are actually very fond of this device. Maybe… pic.twitter.com/XqANvVrlfm
Sources say the tech giant plans to dynamically adjust production volumes for each model based on early retail performance following that three-month period.
Recommended For You
What does the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide need most to succeed?
More important than the Galaxy Z Flip 8?
ETNews points out that Samsung's strategy shift puts initial production numbers for the brand's first-ever wide foldable close to the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Evidently, internal expectations are indeed big.
Is the Galaxy Z Flip slowly fading away? | Image by PhoneArena
However, that doesn't appear to be the case with the Galaxy Z Flip 8. According to the leak, production units for the clamshell device haven't been ramped up.
Concrete figures haven't been finalized. However, industry insiders estimate the conservative target is a direct response to the declining sales reported for last year's Galaxy Z Flip 7.
Is Samsung doing the right thing?
Apple's upcoming foldable might shake up the market. | Image by Counterpoint
Data suggests that 2026 is expected to be a big year for foldables, with book-like options supposedly growing by 20% globally. Counterpoint's analysis projects that Apple will "eat away" some of Samsung's influence in the US, but the tech giant is still expected to retain about 31% of the market share (down from 40% last year).
If these projections realize, Samsung might be doing the right thing by prioritizing its book-like foldable solutions.
Some users are already concerned by this form factor. | Image by Reddit
And yet, online opinions about its success are surprisingly divided. The community is concerned that this wide form factor might make apps look imperfect, with some users also wondering whether the passport style could make the phone too uncomfortable to hold with one hand.
A test to determine all
Ultimately, whether the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide succeeds or fails will be decided when the phone is released. If the form factor proves successful and the price is palatable, Samsung's decision to increase initial production units would turn out to be way more than a gamble. Rather, it might turn out to be a well-calculated decision.
Even though I wouldn't call myself a big fan of this new shape, I can't help but feel excited about it. Samsung deserves credit for breaking tradition, although it was a direct response to Apple's rumored foldable.
Get Visible as low as $20/mo for 1 year. Limited time offer with code: FRESHSTART
$20
/mo
$25
$5 off (20%)
Offer Ends 6.1.2026 at 11.59pm ET. New members get $5/mo off the $25/mg Visible plan, $35/mo Visible+ plan, or $45/mo Visible+ Pro plan for the first 12 months. Promo code FRESHSTART required at checkout.
Polina Kovalakova, a News and Affiliate Content Writer, has nurtured a passion for mobile technology since the era before smartphones. With a history of exploring a variety of devices, her insights into the mobile world are both broad and nuanced. Polina's non-partisan view extends to appreciating nearly every smartphone brand, a reflection of her open-minded approach to technology. Polina is equally passionate about uncovering the best online deals, tirelessly working to ensure her readers snag top-tier tech at unbeatable prices.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: