Samsung will launch three new foldable phones this year with displays using technology that's two generations behind what powers its traditional flagship models. The Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and a new Wide Fold variant will all feature OLED screens built with M13 organic display material, according to ET News sources. This marks the third consecutive year Samsung has used the same display generation for its foldables, having debuted M13 on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 in 2024.
Meanwhile, the recently launched Galaxy S26 Ultra employs newer M14 display material that delivers significantly better performance. Samsung's M14 technology is reportedly 20 to 30 percent brighter than M13 while offering improved efficiency.
Screens using the newer materials also last 10 to 20 percent longer than previous generations. A source told ET News that continuous improvements to M13 have resulted in "improved performance compared to when it was first released and reduced material input required to achieve the same performance." The decision to reuse older display technology likely reflects Samsung's effort to keep price increases minimal amid component cost pressures.
The company faces significant financial challenges across its mobile division. Profit margins for Samsung's mobile business dropped from 11 percent in early 2025 to a projected 2, 3 percent by mid-2026, according to internal reports cited by Android Police. Some executives believe even reaching one percent profitability may prove difficult.
These pressures contributed to the abrupt cancellation of Samsung's most ambitious folding phone after just three months on the market. The $2,900 Galaxy Z TriFold launched in December 2025 but saw production halted by mid-March this year following reports of broken screens and concerns about reliability with its dual-hinge design.
Samsung appears focused on more practical engineering improvements rather than flashy form factor experiments. The company plans to mass-produce solid-state batteries that replace flammable liquid electrolytes with solid alternatives, offering higher energy density and longer lifespan.
These batteries will likely debut first in upcoming Galaxy Watch or Ring devices before reaching smartphones.
For next year's traditional flagship lineup, Samsung reportedly plans strategic expansion rather than radical innovation. The company may add a Galaxy S27 Pro model alongside Standard, Plus, and Ultra variants, creating a four-model lineup that directly mirrors Apple's iPhone strategy. This Pro model would offer most Ultra features except S Pen support while including Privacy Display technology introduced on the S26 Ultra.
