Danny Weber
Rumor says Samsung may discontinue Galaxy Z Flip after Z Flip 8 due to costs, shifting to larger foldables. Future foldable lineup may focus on Galaxy Z Fold.
Samsung might be rethinking its foldable smartphone strategy and could discontinue the Galaxy Z Flip lineup. According to Chinese insider Momentary Digital, the Galaxy Z Flip 9 is reportedly not in active development, which could make the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 8 the last of its kind.
This rumor surfaces just ahead of the next Galaxy Unpacked event, expected on July 22. At that event, Samsung is said to unveil three foldable models: the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Flip 8, and a new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide with a broader folding format. But the fate of the compact flip phone now looks uncertain.
The insider explains that smartphone planning typically begins at least a year before launch. The lack of early leaks about the Galaxy Z Flip 9 may be a red flag for fans. Samsung might have decided to end the line unless there’s a strong reason to release another generation.
The main driver behind a possible cancellation is rising production costs. Compact foldables are becoming less profitable, especially when meaningful upgrades are harder to achieve. The vertical flip design is nearing its practical limits, leaving little room for major technical improvements. Meanwhile, larger foldables are more appealing to manufacturers. They offer greater functionality for work, media, and multitasking, and can yield higher margins. That’s why Samsung is allegedly shifting its focus to the Galaxy Z Fold series.
The insider also notes growing consumer interest in large foldable devices, citing the success of the Huawei Pura X Max as evidence of a demand shift toward bigger form factors. Additionally, in 2026, many major brands have yet to announce new flagship flip models, suggesting a broader market trend.
If the rumor holds, by 2027 Samsung’s foldable lineup would consist of the Galaxy Z Fold 9 and Galaxy Z Fold 9 Wide, with no Galaxy Z Flip 9. For now, this remains unconfirmed, so final conclusions should wait for further leaks or official statements from Samsung.
© A. Krivonosov