According to insider sources from a reputable Korean news outlet, Samsung has had to lower its initial production goals for the upcoming Z-series devices several times in the past few weeks. The situation is particularly concerning for the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is expected to feature two large screens, an upgraded 200MP camera, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Initially, Samsung aimed to produce 800,000 units of the Z Fold 7 ahead of next month’s launch. However, this target was reduced from 800,000 to 770,000 by the end of last month and further down to 630,000.
This significant decline suggests that Samsung’s foldable phones may not be gaining the popularity the company hoped for, especially considering the preference for clamshell models over book-style foldables. Similarly, expectations for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 have also dimmed. The initial production goal was set at 590,000 units, but it has now been revised down to 550,000. While this isn’t a drastic decrease, it reflects a conservative outlook compared to the production targets of the Z Fold 7.
Additionally, the anticipated Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is facing an even more disappointing production estimate of just 160,000 units, down from previous estimates of 210,000 and then 170,000. It’s important to note that these numbers are not sales predictions. Consumer response to the Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE remains uncertain until their official release. Past models, like the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6, achieved around 2.9 and 2.1 million unit sales within five months, making it difficult to predict a successful trajectory for their successors.
Despite these challenges, there’s still hope for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 as Samsung navigates a declining trend in foldable popularity with each new generation.