Samsung is reportedly preparing for a major shift in its foldable smartphone strategy. According to information shared by well-known tipster Ice Universe, the company expects the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 to outsell its clamshell sibling, the Galaxy Z Flip8, marking a first for Samsung’s foldable lineup.
Historically, Samsung’s foldable sales have leaned heavily in favor of the Galaxy Z Flip series. The Flip models, thanks to their lower price point and compact form factor, have consistently outsold the more expensive and productivity-focused Galaxy Z Fold devices. This trend stands in contrast to Samsung’s Galaxy S lineup, where the Ultra model routinely outperforms the standard and Plus variants combined, despite carrying the highest price tag.
That balance may finally change in 2026. According to the report, Samsung is planning to produce around 3.5 million units of the Galaxy Z Fold8, compared to an estimated 2.5 to 3 million units of the Galaxy Z Flip8. If these production targets hold, it would signal strong internal confidence that demand for the Fold series is about to overtake that of the Flip.
The reported figures do not appear to include Samsung’s upcoming new foldable category, tentatively referred to as the Galaxy Wide Fold. This device is said to have a separate production target of around 1 million units. Additionally, Samsung is rumored to be working on a Galaxy Z TriFold, though this model is expected to be a low-volume, experimental “halo” product rather than a mass-market device.
It’s worth noting that these numbers represent production targets, not guaranteed sales. Actual consumer demand could still vary depending on pricing, hardware improvements, durability upgrades, and market conditions. That said, the increased focus on the Fold lineup suggests Samsung believes larger, book-style foldables are becoming more appealing to mainstream buyers.
This strategy mirrors Samsung’s approach with its flagship slab phones. Just a day earlier, Ice Universe also revealed production targets for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, which reportedly skew even more heavily toward the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Interestingly, the S26 Ultra is said to have entered mass production in December, while the standard Galaxy S26 and S26+ only began production in January, a timing difference that could partially explain the uneven production numbers.
Looking ahead, Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series toward the end of this month, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 are likely to debut around July. If Samsung’s expectations prove accurate, 2026 could mark a turning point for foldables, with the Galaxy Z Fold finally stepping out of the Flip’s shadow and becoming the company’s best-selling foldable smartphone.
