Samsung’s experiment with tri-fold smartphones didn’t last very long. The Galaxy Z TriFold, a $2,899 showcase device, is already on its way out just three months after launch. Sales have begun winding down in South Korea, with other markets like the US expected to follow once existing stock runs out.

The company hasn’t really gone into detail about why it pulled the plug so quickly, but the TriFold always felt more like a proof-of-concept than something meant for wide adoption. Still, it wasn’t ignored. Reports suggest it sold out in limited batches, which at least shows there’s curiosity (and maybe even demand) for more experimental form factors.

What’s interesting is that Samsung doesn’t seem to be done with the idea. According to Korean tipster yeux1122, work is already underway on a follow-up, likely to be called the Galaxy Z TriFold 2. It’s said to be in early prototyping, with a big focus on improving the hinge. Apparently, most of the verification work on the new hinge design is already done, which could help make the next version noticeably thinner and lighter.

That’s a big deal, because the original TriFold was… chunky. Folded thickness hovered around 12.9mm, which made it feel a bit impractical for everyday use. The next version is expected to slim down closer to devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, though it’ll still be slightly thicker given the more complex folding setup.

A launch timeline around mid-2027 is being floated, which gives Samsung plenty of room to refine things like durability and crease visibility—two areas that matter even more with a tri-fold design.

At the same time, Samsung is also experimenting with another kind of hybrid device with a sliding OLED display. Unlike the motorized concepts we’ve seen at events like CES, this version reportedly uses a manual sliding mechanism. When extended, it could reach around 7 inches, essentially shifting between a phone and a small tablet.

All of this suggests Samsung is still very much in exploration mode. The first TriFold may not have stuck around for long, but it doesn’t look like the idea itself is going anywhere just yet.

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The post Samsung is already working on thinner Galaxy Z Trifold 2 and a new Slidable phone, claims tipster appeared first on Gizmochina.