Samsung Electronics Co. is poised to make a significant splash in the foldable device market with reports indicating an imminent unveiling of its first tri-fold smartphone, potentially dubbed the Galaxy Z TriFold, at an event scheduled for Sept. 29 in South Korea. This move comes amid intensifying competition from rivals like Huawei Technologies Co., which already introduced a tri-fold model earlier this year. Insiders suggest Samsung aims to counter with a device that unfolds into a tablet-sized screen, emphasizing multitasking capabilities and advanced display technology.

The tri-fold phone is expected to feature an 11-inch OLED display when fully expanded, powered by Qualcomm Inc.’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and supported by a 5,700mAh battery, according to leaks compiled by industry watchers. Production is rumored to be limited to around 50,000 units initially, signaling a cautious market test given the engineering complexities and high costs associated with such innovative form factors. This limited rollout could help Samsung gauge consumer interest without overcommitting resources, especially as foldables remain a niche segment dominated by premium pricing.

Racing Ahead in Foldable Innovation

Beyond the phone, Samsung is reportedly set to introduce AI-enhanced smart glasses and the Project Moohan XR headset at the same Unpacked event, broadening its push into augmented and mixed reality. The AI glasses, potentially branded as Galaxy Glasses, are anticipated to integrate artificial intelligence for features like real-time translation and contextual awareness, building on Samsung’s Galaxy AI ecosystem. Meanwhile, the XR headset, developed in collaboration with Alphabet Inc.’s Google and Qualcomm, promises immersive experiences running on a customized Android XR platform.

These launches underscore Samsung’s strategy to diversify beyond traditional smartphones, where growth has slowed. By bundling hardware advancements with AI software, the company seeks to create an interconnected ecosystem that could lock in users, much like Apple Inc.’s approach with its Vision Pro headset. However, challenges loom, including high development costs and the need to ensure seamless integration across devices, as noted in reports from ZDNET.

Market Implications and Competitive Pressures

Analysts point out that Samsung’s timing aligns with a broader industry shift toward wearable and foldable tech, driven by consumer demand for versatile gadgets. The tri-fold phone could position Samsung as a leader in productivity-focused devices, appealing to professionals who need large screens on the go. Yet, with Huawei’s Mate XT already in the market, Samsung must differentiate through superior software and global availability, particularly in regions where Huawei faces restrictions due to U.S. sanctions.

The inclusion of AI glasses adds another layer, potentially rivaling products like Meta Platforms Inc.’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. Early indications suggest Samsung’s version will emphasize privacy-focused AI processing, leveraging on-device computing to minimize data transmission. As detailed in coverage from PCMag, this could help Samsung carve out a niche in the emerging smart eyewear segment, where comfort and battery life remain key hurdles.

Strategic Bets on Emerging Tech

For industry insiders, this Sept. 29 event represents Samsung’s bold bet on future-proofing its portfolio amid economic uncertainties. By hosting the reveal in its home market of South Korea, the company may prioritize domestic feedback before a wider rollout. Pricing rumors peg the tri-fold phone at around $3,000, a steep entry point that could limit mass adoption but attract early adopters and tech enthusiasts eager for cutting-edge hardware.

Looking ahead, success will hinge on software refinement and ecosystem synergy. Samsung’s collaboration with Google on the XR headset, for instance, could accelerate Android’s presence in spatial computing, challenging Apple’s dominance. As echoed in insights from CNET, while the U.S. launch timeline remains unclear, this trio of devices signals Samsung’s ambition to redefine personal computing in an AI-driven era, potentially reshaping how users interact with technology daily.