I have worked my entire career as an engineer and have seen many innovations at Samsung that have exceeded the limits of what is possible with smartphones. Our mission is, and always has been, to create technology that improves people’s lives. Ten years ago, we set out to create a transformative technology by looking at the one thing that all smartphones were synonymous with: a flat rectangular screen. We asked ourselves a simple question: how can we have it all: a bigger screen and better portability?
We saw an opportunity not only to design a new shape, but also to create new experiences that had never before been possible with a smartphone. Overcoming many technological hurdles, we successfully introduced the first foldable smartphone in 2019 and since then we have changed the future of our industry.
Last year, we saw nearly 10 million foldable smartphones shipped worldwide. This represents an increase in the industry of more than 300% from 2020, and I predict that this rapid growth will continue.[1] We are getting to the point where these folding devices are becoming widespread and have a bigger appeal in the global smartphone market.
More importantly, Samsung Galaxy folders have changed the way we use mobile devices and have helped improve the lifestyles of users around the world.
As lifestyles evolve, a new legacy unfolds
The world is more connected than ever and moving at a much faster pace. Work and play are mixed, and the lines between the physical and digital worlds have blurred. Where we look for work, entertainment, wellness and more has become one place: our phone. As such, our users need a flexible device to keep up with their daily demands.
The Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip fulfill this mandate. Last year, 70% of Galaxy users folded[2] he turned to the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G to help them see the world from a different point of view. Z Flip3 users love to have a device designed for personal expression, either by choosing bold color options for their device or taking photos in a new way with Flex mode[3].
It’s a different experience with the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. Nearly one in three Galaxy folding users last year opted for this ultimate productivity device[4], which has empowered them to do more thanks to individual hyperconnected computing. Fold users love the multitasking capability of a screen that doubles in size, so they can be more efficient and get things done faster.
Both folding users have enthusiastically accepted what we have created. Their response is our main motivation for moving forward, and that is why we are committed to this journey of exploring new possibilities for mobile innovation.
This year, we’ve made breakthroughs in every detail and opened up new experiences enabled by these behavior-changing devices. I’m excited to see people discover new ways to do more things they like with the new folding.
Of course, this would not have been possible without the open collaboration and the shared desire with our partners to continuously bring new innovations to the mobile category. We’re working with industry leaders, such as Google, Microsoft, and other transportation partners, to expand the experiences that are possible across the folding ecosystem.
Redefining what is possible for people everywhere
Three years ago, Galaxy foldables could be summed up in one word: radical. Very quickly, however, it became clear that this innovative and flexible design was perfectly suited to modern lifestyles. As a result, what was once a novelty three years ago is now the preferred option for millions of people.
At our next Unpacked on August 10th, you’ll see that the impact of our innovation isn’t just what technology can do. This is what you can do. Once again, we have been inspired by the most important source, Galaxy users, to push the limits of what is possible.
I can’t wait to show you the potential of our new Samsung Galaxy folders as the ultimate tool for both productivity and personal expression. Now, you can do more than you ever thought possible, all at once, on one device.
Get ready to unfold your world.
–
[1] International Data Corporation (IDC) witnessed worldwide shipments of folding phones, including folding and folding factors, reaching a total of 7.1 million units in 2021. This represents an increase of 264.3% over to 1.9 million units shipped in 2020.
[2] According to Strategy Analytics 2020.
[3] Flex mode compatible with angles between 75 ° and 115 °. For your convenience, it can be difficult to maintain Flex mode while moving due to shaking or other movements. It is recommended to keep your phone still while in Flex mode. Some applications may not support Flex mode.
[4] Depending on the percentage of internal sales.