Core Viewpoint - Samsung Electronics is gradually halting sales of its first tri-fold smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, which has been on the market for only about three months, starting with the domestic market in South Korea and then moving to the U.S. market after clearing remaining inventory [2][8]. Group 1: Product Overview - The Galaxy Z TriFold was officially launched in December 2025, featuring a 6.5-inch screen when folded and approximately a 10-inch screen when unfolded [4]. - Since its launch, the Galaxy Z TriFold has frequently sold out and has even been resold at a premium on second-hand trading platforms [6]. - The product is positioned as a flagship to showcase Samsung's folding screen technology rather than targeting the mass market, with limited releases in select markets [7]. Group 2: Market Performance and Sales - In the Chinese market, the Galaxy Z TriFold has been quickly sold out during daily flash sales on platforms like Tmall and JD [7]. - As of March 17, 2023, the phone was priced starting at 19,999 yuan, with some listings on Pinduoduo exceeding 20,000 yuan [2]. Group 3: Industry Analysis - Analysts suggest that the discontinuation of the Galaxy Z TriFold may be due to high production costs, exacerbated by rising prices of core components like DRAM, NAND flash memory, and application processors [8]. - Citibank's recent report predicts that global shipments of foldable smartphones will reach 20.3 million units in 2025, with Huawei surpassing Samsung to become the market leader, primarily driven by growth in the Chinese market [8][10]. - IDC forecasts a 10% year-on-year growth in global foldable smartphone shipments in 2025, with the Chinese market expected to grow by 9.2%, reaching approximately 10.01 million units [10].

Core Viewpoint - Apple is considering the release of a thinner iPhone Air in 2027, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone series, and is exploring the use of Color Filter Encapsulation (CoE) technology to achieve ultra-thin panels [1][2]. Group 1: CoE Technology - CoE technology replaces the polarizer used in current OLEDs with color filters, improving light transmittance, reducing power consumption, and decreasing thickness [2]. - Apple plans to first implement CoE technology in its first foldable product, expected to launch in the second half of 2026, before potentially using it in the iPhone Air [2]. Group 2: Industry Response - Samsung Display is preparing for the market demand for CoE technology by discussing supplementary investments in its 6th generation OLED production line [3]. - LG Display has announced a significant investment of 1.26 trillion KRW before 2027, with 700 billion KRW allocated for CoE equipment at its Paju plant [3]. Group 3: Market Uncertainty - There is uncertainty in the market regarding the launch of the iPhone Air with CoE technology, as delays could lead to blind investments by Korean panel manufacturers [5]. - The sales performance of the recently launched iPhone 17 Air was below expectations, prompting Apple to cancel the Air model in the upcoming iPhone 18 series [5].

Product Development & Design - Apple is reportedly developing a folding iPhone, potentially launching in 2026 [1][4] - The folding iPhone is speculated to have a book-style design with a 7.8-8 inch crease-free inner display and a 5.5 inch outer display [4] - The device might feature Touch ID as a side button due to the challenges of incorporating Face ID into a thinner design [5] - The folding iPhone could incorporate self-healing screen technology to repair scratches [3] Cost & Market Positioning - The estimated cost of the folding iPhone is between $2,000 and $2,500, potentially making it the most expensive iPhone [5] Component Suppliers & Technology - Samsung Display is expected to supply the folding screen for the iPhone [2][9][10] - New laser drilling techniques may be used in the hinge design, potentially increasing the phone's cost [10] Technical Specifications - The folded iPhone is predicted to be around 9 millimeters thick [6] - The device is expected to have a dual-lens camera on the back, a single front camera when closed, and another single lens inside when open [6] - The folding iPhone is expected to have the same battery as the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 [7]