Samsung is reportedly gearing up to unveil a mid-range foldable smartphone that could challenge Apple’s base iPhone 16 in the U.S. and Canadian markets. The Korean publication The Elec cites unnamed sources close to Samsung’s supply chain, suggesting the company is accelerating component production for the anticipated Z Fold6 and Z Flip6. Mass production for these devices is expected to begin in early May, a timeline that points to a July launch window and a quicker rollout than the previous generation, which appeared in August last year.
Analysts and industry insiders note that the September to October period could see a separate, more affordable foldable from Samsung arrive shortly after the standard Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 hit stores. The strategic aim appears clear: entice early iPhone 16 buyers with a compelling, flexible-display option that offers innovative tech without paying a premium for premium features.
Details about the budget foldable remain scarce, but rumors indicate Samsung may pursue cost-cutting measures that compromise certain high-end features. One commonly rumored concession is the omission of the S Pen stylus support, a feature many premium Samsung users have come to associate with the brand’s folding lineup. Pricing remains uncertain; if Samsung intends to compete with the base iPhone 16, a price point hovering around or just under $1,000 seems plausible, though achieving that target would be challenging given component and production costs.
Previous reports have also hinted at Apple pursuing display enhancements, including glare and scratch resistance improvements for future iPhone models, underscoring the broader market push toward more robust, user-friendly screens on flagship and mid-range devices alike. The landscape suggests a clear race to balance cost, durability, and innovative display technology across both ecosystems, with foldables playing a central role in attracting early adopters and power users in North America.