Samsung Plans Six Foldable Phones Next Year to Counter iPhone Duo Demand
Facing heavy backlogs for Apple’s new device, Samsung reportedly prepares a major expansion of its foldable lineup next year.
Key points
- Samsung reportedly plans to launch six different foldable phones next year.
- Apple’s iPhone Duo is heavily backordered with deliveries pushed to January.
- Samsung previously accelerated the release of the Galaxy Z Trifold 2.
Samsung is reportedly preparing to launch six distinct foldable smartphones next year as it seeks to compete with Apple’s newly announced iPhone Duo. According to 9to5Mac, this expanded product strategy emerges as Apple’s device faces significant supply constraints that have driven consumer demand far beyond initial inventory levels.
The South Korean manufacturer appears to be adopting a broad market approach to counter Apple’s entry into the foldable segment. 9to5Mac cites a leak from its sister publication, 9to5Google, indicating that Samsung intends to release half a dozen folding devices next year. This volume suggests a deliberate effort to saturate the market with options while Apple struggles to meet the immediate surge in orders for its newest hardware.
Strategic Context and Market Reaction
Prior to the official launch of the iPhone Duo, Samsung claimed it welcomed Apple’s entry into the foldable market. The company tried a counter that its own folding phones were lighter. However, the subsequent announcement of the iPhone Duo and its immediate sell-out status appear to have prompted a more aggressive strategic response from Samsung’s product planning teams.
As Threat Times reported on 2026-10-20, the $2,000 iPhone Duo sold out instantly, pushing delivery dates to January while Samsung saw a 16% sales increase in its foldable lineup. The current leak suggests Samsung is leveraging that recent momentum to prepare a wider array of devices for the next calendar year, rather than relying on a single flagship release to maintain market share.
Product Adjustments and Competitive Pressure
Samsung has already made tangible changes to its release schedule in response to the shifting competitive landscape. The company reportedly brought forward the launch date of the Galaxy Z Trifold 2 to coincide with the heightened interest in folding technology. This acceleration indicates an internal recognition that consumer attention is shifting toward Apple’s new entry, necessitating a quicker turnover of Samsung’s own innovation cycle.
The reported plan for six new devices introduces a "spray-and-pray" element to Samsung’s strategy, according to 9to5Mac. While this approach may signal urgency within the company’s planning divisions, the outlet notes that increased competition generally benefits the broader market. Any substantial hardware or software innovations Samsung introduces could force Apple to match or exceed those features in future iterations of the iPhone Duo.
What should you do?
Security and technology professionals monitoring the supply chain should track these shifts in release schedules and inventory levels. The rapid acceleration of product cycles and the heavy backlogging of high-profile devices can create opportunities for counterfeit hardware or supply chain fraud. Professionals should verify the authenticity of any early-order devices or third-party accessories appearing in the market during these periods of high demand and limited official availability.
What to do and how to stay safe: Samsung
- Verify the legitimacy of any pre-order or early-access offers for the iPhone Duo or new Samsung foldables through official vendor channels only.
- Monitor supply chain communications for unexpected delays or changes in delivery dates that may indicate inventory manipulation or fraud.
- Ensure that procurement processes include strict verification steps for high-value hardware purchases during periods of reported market shortages.
- Review internal device replacement policies to account for potential extended wait times for flagship devices from both Apple and Samsung.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
How many foldable phones does Samsung plan to launch next year?
Samsung reportedly plans to launch six different foldable phones next year, according to a leak cited by 9to5Mac.
Why is Samsung increasing its foldable phone lineup?
The expansion is a strategic response to Apple’s iPhone Duo, which has become heavily backordered and is facing supply shortages.
Has Samsung made any recent changes to its product release schedule?
Yes, Samsung reportedly brought forward the launch of the Galaxy Z Trifold 2 to compete with the heightened interest in folding devices.
