Key points
▶ Samsung Electronics is reportedly procuring components for about 1.14 million units of its Galaxy Z8 series for production in October and November.
▶ After ramping up production for the launch period, the company is now adjusting volumes to reflect sales and inventory levels.
▶ By model, production is expected to total about 500,000 Fold8 units, the mid-300,000s for the Fold8 Ultra, and nearly 280,000 Flip8 units. The Fold8 will account for more than 40% of output.
▶ The production plan is down by nearly half from 2.14 million units in August and September. It is typical to produce more units immediately after a new product launches and then scale back in line with sales. The industry believes the planned volume is higher than for the same period last year.
Samsung Electronics has wrapped up its initial production push for its new foldable phones and begun adjusting output.
According to a production plan for Samsung Electronics’ MX business division obtained and reported by Electronic Times on Sept. 30, the company is procuring components for about 1.14 million Galaxy Z8 series devices—the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8 and Flip8—for production in October and November.
The Fold8 accounts for the largest share, at about 500,000 units. Production of the Fold8 Ultra is expected to be in the mid-300,000s, while the Flip8 is expected to come in at nearly 280,000 units. The Fold8 is a wide-format model with a broader body than previous Fold devices. It is easier to use like a regular smartphone when folded and opens to a wider 4:3 display.
From 2.14 million units to 1.14 million
Planned output has fallen sharply from the previous two-month period. Samsung is understood to have planned production of about 2.14 million units for August and September. The October-November volume is just over half of that figure.
Industry observers see this as a customary adjustment. Production is typically set high immediately after a new product launches to meet initial demand, then monthly plans are revised based on sales momentum, orders from individual countries and inventory at retailers.
Samsung will continue to prioritize the Fold8 in subsequent production. It is expected to account for more than 40% of output in October and November.
The Fold8 led sales from the start of its launch. During domestic presales from July 28 to August 3, the Galaxy Z8 series sold 1.44 million units, setting a record for Samsung smartphones, with the Fold8 accounting for about 70% of sales.
At Samsung.com, buyers in their 10s, 20s and 30s made up more than half of purchasers, and purchases of Fold models by women in those age groups more than doubled from the previous generation.
Samsung has traditionally positioned the Flip as its mainstream model and the Fold as a premium device for work. This year, it expanded the Fold lineup into two versions—the Ultra and the wide-format model—shifting its focus toward the Fold. That emphasis is continuing in the allocation of production for the coming months.
Samsung Electronics CEO Roh Tae-moon set a goal immediately after the July Unpacked event of making this year’s Z series the best-selling generation yet.
Only the Flip8 gets a production boost
The Flip8 stands out. While total production is falling by nearly half, its planned output is actually rising, from about 220,000 units in August and September to 280,000 in October and November.
Industry observers believe Samsung is redirecting some production capacity from the Fold models, which received a larger share at launch, to the Flip to meet ongoing sales demand.
“The Fold models remain the mainstay, but given the increase in Flip8 production, it appears the company is adjusting volumes for each model to reflect sales and inventory,” said an industry source in the mobile phone sector.
The year-end peak season and next year’s product schedule are also factors. Samsung is reportedly planning to expand its foldable lineup to five models next year, adding a tri-fold device and a new wide-format Fold with a different aspect ratio.