Samsung is reportedly planning to incorporate titanium into the design of its highly anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 7 and its first-ever tri-fold smartphone, according to a recent report from the South Korean publication, TheElec. Sources suggest that the tech giant intends to utilise titanium for the backplates of both foldable devices, a move that differs from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which employed titanium for its frame. Samsung is expected to debut both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the new tri-fold phone in the latter half of this year.
Titanium Adoption for Enhanced Durability and Slim Design
This potential shift towards titanium isn’t unprecedented for Samsung in the foldable market. The exclusive Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition previously featured a titanium backplate, indicating the company’s prior exploration of this robust material.
The Role of the Backplate in Foldable Devices
The backplate serves as a crucial structural component within foldable smartphones, providing essential support between the intricate hinge mechanism and the flexible display panel. Samsung’s material choices for this component have evolved over the years. The initial Galaxy Fold and its successor, the Galaxy Z Fold 2, utilised stainless steel backplates. Subsequently, the company transitioned to lighter carbon fibre for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and continued with this material until the special edition variant reintroduced titanium.
Titanium: Lightweight Strength with Production Challenges
Engineers recognise titanium for its advantageous properties, as it offers a compelling combination of lightness and exceptional strength. However, manufacturers find its production process more challenging compared to other materials. The reported adoption of titanium for the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s backplate aligns with another significant design consideration: reducing the device’s overall thickness. The report indicates that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will likely forgo an integrated S Pen digitiser, further contributing to a slimmer profile.
Future of Stylus Technology in Galaxy Z Series
Interestingly, the report also touches upon Samsung Display’s ongoing efforts to develop an innovative OLED panel that can function seamlessly with a stylus without requiring a separate digitiser layer. This technology mirrors Apple’s approach, where the stylus itself contains a built-in battery for precise tip position recognition. Samsung is reportedly collaborating with the company HiDeep on this promising technology. However, the timeline for its potential integration into the Galaxy Z series remains uncertain.
