TL; Dr
- Samsung is reportedly considering releasing its new foldable devices ahead of schedule.
- The company is apparently considering pushing the launch forward by two to three weeks.
- The earlier start is believed to be due to poor returns.
Samsung traditionally releases its foldable phones every year in August, and we expect the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 to arrive this time. However, it looks like we could be in for an earlier start this year.
Korea-based outlet The chosen ones reports that Samsung is considering a plan to release the new foldable devices two to three weeks earlier than originally planned.
According to the source, Samsung originally planned to release the foldable devices in the second week of August. But the Galaxy maker is reportedly considering an earlier release as it worries about its poor Q1 earnings.
Not much of a deal
The chosen onesThe sources also claim that the company only sold “slightly” more Galaxy S23 phones than expected in the first quarter. However, Samsung claimed a 22% year-over-year increase in revenue and a 3% increase in operating profit this quarter. The company also appears to be bracing itself for a poor second quarter. So an earlier release of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5 could make for a stronger Q3, which would help offset two consecutive quarters of poor performance.
One potential barrier to an earlier launch is parts availability. The outlet claims that some component production plans have been moved forward to accommodate an earlier launch. However, production plans for other components are believed to still stick to the original August launch window.
Another potential downside to an earlier foldable release is that Samsung could see a tougher Q4 due to slowing sales of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5. But the company reportedly believes a strong third quarter is the more pressing challenge right now. Either way, the competitively priced, volume-shifting Galaxy S23 FE will fit in nicely with the Q4, right?