Once again the rumor mill is reporting that Samsung is preparing an entry-level Z-Fold smartphone for Q4, contrary to denials from the company. This could be a way to test the market's hunger for a new form factor.

A new supply chain report from United Daily News states Samsung is planning to introduce a new folding smartphone to their line-up in H2.  It will be Samsung's first foldable priced in the US$800-1,000 range. The industry is optimistic that it will significantly increase buying momentum and boost supply chains such as Largan and Crystal Technology.

Korean media reports that Samsung will launch two new folding phones in late July, named Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Flip 6, and launch its first affordable folding phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE, in September or October.

the Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE is equipped with standard version camera equipment, but does not support the stylus function. The body will be thinner and lighter than the standard version. It is estimated that initial shipments will be about 200,000 to 300,000 yuan. 10,000 pieces. Whether to place additional orders in the future will depend on market reaction.

Now Samsung is the first to launch an affordable foldable phone priced below US$1,000, which is bound to create huge waves in the market. It is expected that Huawei, OPPO, and vivo will Mainland brand manufacturers will also follow up and launch affordable folding machines, setting off a new wave of craze in 2025.

In January, Patently Apple posted a report titled "In Q4-23 Apple's iPhone was the top smartphone and more importantly, the iPhone was the Global leader for all of 2023 for the First Time ever." If Samsung delivers an entry level foldable under the price of the iPhone 16, it could put pressure on the iPhone in Europe and South Korea where Apple is gaining ground with the under 30 demographic.

In February, Patently Apple posted another report on this subject matter titled "Apple's iPhone Market Share has Exceeded 25% in S. Korea for the very First Time."

If the rumors of an entry-level Z-Fold smartphone pan out, it would clearly show that Samsung will pull out all the stops to ensure that iPhone sales in 2024 won't overpower Samsung again.

With calendar Q1-24 ending yesterday, a report from The Korea Times this morning was quick to post a report titled "Samsung beats Apple to regain top spot as world's leading smartphone seller." Although that's very likely, statistical reports from IDC, Canalys, TrendForce or others on Smartphone shipment in Q1-24 have yet to confirm this claim.

Samsung's obsession of beating Apple in smartphones lends credence to this rumor that Samsung will release an entry Z-Fold at prices cheaper than the iPhone 16 to shake up the market in general and against Apple's advancements in S. Korea specifically.  

While the report made no reference to it being an April Fools day prank, they could always use that as an excuse if the rumor fails to materialize in Q4.