Samsung’s Won-joon Choi on future of foldables: ‘We see them as the optimum form factor for phones’

As Samsung introduces its latest innovations, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, the company is reinforcing its belief that foldable devices have transitioned from a futuristic concept to a dynamic force in the smartphone market. During a recent roundtable discussion, Won-joon Choi, President and COO of Samsung's MX Division, provided insights into the future of foldables and their role in the evolving landscape of mobile AI. Choi addressed the ongoing challenges in perfecting the foldable design, emphasizing the need for these devices to be lighter, sleeker, and more durable while still delivering top-tier performance. "The biggest challenges have always been about perfecting the form factor," he stated, highlighting Samsung's dedication to refining the user experience. The new Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 showcase advancements in hinge technology, materials, and design, bringing Samsung closer to a balance between innovation and practical use. However, hardware enhancements alone won't suffice. Choi pointed out that a distinctive user experience is essential. He questioned what motivates consumers to choose foldables over traditional smartphones, noting that the draw lies in the unique features they offer. The Z Fold, with its expansive internal display, and the Z Flip, with its compact design, provide engaging ways to interact with mobile technology. Choi believes that the timing for foldables aligns perfectly with the surge in mobile AI applications. He described the foldable form factor as the optimal choice for the mobile AI era, as it allows for enhanced multitasking and richer interactions, making it an ideal platform for the future. While Samsung currently leads the global foldable market, competition is intensifying, particularly from brands like Huawei and Honor in China. In India, foldables are still gaining traction, with concerns about pricing, durability, and app compatibility being significant hurdles. Samsung's strategy appears focused on addressing these challenges. Choi's vision is clear: foldables are intended not just to coexist with traditional smartphones but to eventually replace them. With AI becoming increasingly integral to how we use technology, Samsung aims to position its foldables as the primary devices for this new era.