Samsung Electronics has confirmed that it adjusted its foldable phone production for October-November to 1.14 million units, driven by the launch effect of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (wide model). After completing concentrated production for the initial launch of the new foldable smartphones, the company began adjusting follow-up production volumes starting in October.
According to Samsung Electronics' MX Division production plans obtained by this news outlet on the 30th, the company is procuring components with plans to produce approximately 1.14 million units of the Galaxy Z8 series (Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Flip 8) in total for October-November.
Last year's production volume of Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z7 series during the same period is not precisely known, but industry observers noted that the production of the Galaxy Z8 series has significantly expanded compared to its predecessor, driven by increased sales of the wider model, the Fold 8. According to Counterpoint Research, initial sales of the Galaxy Z8 series increased by 8% compared to its predecessor.
An industry insider stated, “While overall production naturally decreases after October compared to August and September, when the new model launch effect is concentrated, the production scale remains higher than the same period last year.”
Samsung reportedly planned to produce approximately 2.14 million units in August and September. The reduction in production from October to November is a typical process of adjusting subsequent production based on initial stock, actual sales, and distribution inventory. Immediately after a new product launch, production is set high to meet initial demand, and monthly production plans are later adjusted based on sales velocity and orders by country. Although overall production has nearly halved due to the concentration of initial production, it is still considered a significant volume compared to the previous model.
Through follow-up production, Samsung appears to be focusing on the Fold 8 as its main product, which accounts for about 40% of the lineup. The Fold 8 has received positive reviews for its practicality and portability, thanks to its wider screen aspect ratio compared to previous Fold models. It dominated domestic pre-orders from the launch and was allocated the largest production volume in subsequent plans. This reflects Samsung's strategy of expanding its foldable flagship models this year from the Flip-centric lineup to include the Fold series, a trend continuing into follow-up production.
The mobile industry also paid attention to the increased production of the Flip 8. While overall Galaxy Z8 series production decreased, the Flip 8's production plan rose from 220,000 units in August-September to 280,000 units in October-November. This shift suggests Samsung is redirecting some production focus from the Fold series to the Flip to better respond to subsequent sales.
By model, the Fold 8 leads with around 500,000 units, followed by the Fold 8 Ultra in the mid-300,000s and the Flip 8 at nearly 280,000 units.
A mobile industry insider commented, “The Fold series remains the mainstay, while the Flip 8's production increase indicates adjustments in model-specific volumes based on sales and inventory conditions.”
