Samsung exec expects tri-fold phone to arrive later this year - but there are doubts about this

Samsung's tri-fold phone is apparently still inbound and should arrive this year, according to one executive at the company - but we're hearing some more doubtful noises from another exec.

The Verge reports that TM Roh, who is acting head of Samsung's Device Experience division, spoke to The Korea Times and, after the lack of any tease at the recent Unpacked event (the phone was teased early this year - see above), clarified that:

"I expect we will be able to launch the tri-fold phone within this year."

• Read more: Samsung's mobile boss says tri-fold smartphone is being perfected for usability before release

The exec added: "We are now focusing on perfecting the product and its usability, but we have not decided its name. As the product nears completion, we are planning to make a final decision soon."

The rumored name is the Galaxy G Fold, but it's worth noting that another executive - this time an unnamed source, who talked to Android Authority - didn't seem quite so sure on the device.

They said:

"We've had a tri-fold for some time, designed and everything. So it's not a new concept to us. What we're debating is the viability. When I say the viability, is there really a demand for this form factor?"

When asked if it might launch this year, the exec observed:

"I can't say for certain, and again, I come back to the point, we have it, we are ready (for it), we can put it into production, but to what purpose? That's what we're deeply investigating at the moment."

So, that sounds somewhat hesitant, and even Roh isn't sure, only having an 'expectation' that the tri-fold smartphone could launch this year. The final decision Roh mentions presumably isn't the name, but whether the device will actually be launched later in 2025 - or perhaps held over to the following year. (Or put on ice full-stop, for that matter).

Leaked renders recently gave us a glimpse at how the three-screen smartphone will work - essentially like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, except with a third display (on the right).

Previous rumors have indicated a target date of September for mass production to kick off with the tri-fold smartphone, which would be ahead of a Q4 2025 launch - though as noted, there appears to be some doubt about this.