Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Set to Overtake Z Flip 8 in Production Plans
As Samsung heads into 2026, the company appears ready to redefine its strategy in the foldable smartphone market. Recent reports suggest a notable shift in production priorities, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 expected to be manufactured in greater numbers than the Galaxy Z Flip 8. This marks the first time Samsung is planning to place its book-style Fold series ahead of the clamshell Flip models in terms of production volume.
The driving force behind this change lies in recent sales performance. In previous years, the Flip series appealed to a broader audience thanks to its compact design and relatively more accessible pricing, while Fold devices were often seen as niche products. That balance began to change with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which reportedly outsold its Flip counterpart for the first time. Encouraged by this trend, Samsung expects the momentum to continue into 2026.
The growing competition between the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 also reflects the broader maturation of the foldable smartphone segment. As innovation in traditional slab-style smartphones slows, consumers are increasingly drawn to more versatile and unconventional form factors. Book-style foldables, offering both smartphone and tablet experiences in a single device, are becoming an attractive solution to these evolving demands.
According to industry sources, Samsung is planning to produce approximately 3.5 million units of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in 2026. In contrast, production of the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is expected to range between 2.5 and 3 million units. These figures not only highlight the gap between the two models but also underline Samsung’s confidence in the future of foldable devices. For comparison, total shipments of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 reportedly reached around 6 million units last year, suggesting that Samsung aims to surpass this combined figure with its next generation.
Profitability is another key factor influencing this strategy. With the Galaxy Z Fold 8 carrying a higher price tag than the Z Flip 8, each unit sold contributes a larger profit margin. Should the Fold series continue to gain traction, Samsung’s overall revenue from foldable smartphones is likely to see significant growth.
