What Happened to Samsung Galaxy Z Series?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Series began as a bold venture into uncharted territory, with the unveiling of the Infinity Flex Display prototype in 2018 and the subsequent launch of the original Galaxy Fold in September 2019. This initial release, though marred by durability concerns that necessitated a delay, laid the groundwork for what would become a distinct and innovative product category. The introduction of the Galaxy Z Flip in February 2020 established the clamshell foldable form factor and solidified the 'Z Series' branding, marking Samsung's commitment to flexible display technology.

Over the subsequent years, Samsung embarked on a relentless path of refinement and innovation. Key turning points included the Galaxy Z Fold 2 in 2020, which brought significant design improvements like the Hideaway Hinge and a larger, more usable front screen, addressing many criticisms of its predecessor. The 2021 releases of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 were pivotal, introducing IPX8 water resistance, S Pen compatibility for the Fold, and aligning the Flip's numbering to streamline the series. These advancements transformed foldables from experimental gadgets into more practical and durable daily drivers, expanding their appeal beyond early adopters.

By 2024 and 2025, the Galaxy Z Series had matured considerably. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, launched in July 2024, brought significant camera upgrades (like a 50MP main sensor for the Flip 6) and deeply integrated Samsung's new Galaxy AI features, enhancing user experience through intelligent capabilities. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, unveiled in July 2025, continued this trend, with the Fold 7 becoming notably thinner, lighter, and featuring a wider cover display, alongside a 200MP main camera. The Flip 7 also saw a larger FlexWindow and increased battery capacity, further solidifying the series' premium standing.

The consequences of Samsung's sustained investment are evident in its continued leadership in the foldable smartphone market, despite increasing competition from brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Google. The Z Series has consistently pushed the boundaries of mobile form factors, influencing other manufacturers to enter the foldable space. However, challenges remain, including the premium price point and the ongoing quest for ultimate durability and a completely seamless display crease. In March 2022, Samsung even rebranded its foldable devices in some European territories, removing the 'Z' due to its association with the Russian military symbol, highlighting external factors that can impact product perception.

As of July 8, 2026, the Samsung Galaxy Z Series is on the cusp of another significant evolution. Samsung has officially confirmed a Galaxy Unpacked event for July 22, 2026, in London, teasing 'A New Shape Unfolds.' This strongly indicates the debut of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, alongside a potentially new 'Z Fold 8 Wide' or 'Z Fold 8 Ultra' model featuring a significantly wider aspect ratio for the cover display, addressing a long-standing user request for a more traditional smartphone feel when folded. Leaks suggest these new devices will incorporate the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or Exynos 2600 chipsets and further AI enhancements, though price increases are also anticipated due to component shortages. Samsung's continued innovation, particularly with new form factors and AI integration, positions the Galaxy Z Series to remain at the forefront of the foldable revolution, even as major competitors like Apple are rumored to be preparing their own foldable entries.