Samsung Electronics has reportedly increased its initial production target for the upcoming Wide Fold, set to debut in July, signaling confidence in consumer demand for the company's newest foldable smartphone form factor.
According to industry sources on May 31, Samsung has shared a three-month production forecast with suppliers showing similar output levels for the Wide Fold and Galaxy Z Fold8, while planning lower production volumes for the Galaxy Z Flip8.
An industry source said Samsung raised the Wide Fold's planned production volume for the first three months by approximately 200,000 to 300,000 units. The company is expected to adjust production ratios among the models based on early sales performance.
Because key components typically enter mass production two to three months before a device launch, Samsung usually shares production forecasts with suppliers several months in advance. Production of the Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Flip8, and Wide Fold is already underway ahead of their expected July launch.
The Wide Fold represents Samsung's first foldable smartphone featuring a 4:3 “passport-style” design. The device is expected to feature a 7.6-inch outer display and a 5.4-inch inner screen. The 4:3 aspect ratio is designed to provide a more natural reading experience while reducing content cropping when viewing web pages, documents, and photos.
Samsung's Galaxy Z foldable lineup typically sells around 5 million to 6 million units annually. Industry estimates suggest sales exceeded 6 million units last year, driven largely by the strong performance of the Galaxy Z Fold7.
Market observers believe Samsung has increased the Wide Fold's production allocation in anticipation of strong initial demand while reducing production of the Flip series, which has seen declining sales in recent years.
The company is expected to produce the Fold8 and Wide Fold in similar quantities during the first three months after launch, then adjust manufacturing volumes according to market response.
“The Fold7 received an overwhelmingly positive response last year, and the Fold8 largely inherits its hardware design, meaning there are relatively few major changes,” another industry official said. “Consumer interest is currently focused on the new Wide Fold form factor, which is why Samsung appears to be taking a more aggressive approach with initial production volumes.”
Industry analysts view the increased production plan as a sign of Samsung's confidence in demand for the new 4:3 foldable design. The move could also help the company strengthen its position in the foldable market ahead of Apple's expected foldable iPhone launch later this year.
The strategy contrasts with Samsung's previous limited-production foldable devices. The Fold SE, launched in 2024 as an ultra-thin foldable model, was produced in volumes of about 300,000 units, while the Tri-Fold smartphone introduced in 2025 was limited to roughly 50,000 units, with neither model receiving additional production runs.
Industry attention is now focused on whether the expanded production plan will pave the way for the Wide Fold to become a permanent addition to Samsung's annual foldable smartphone lineup.
