Samsung’s successor to foldable phones could give new meaning to ‘sliding into your DMs’

Apple has only just made it to the party with the iPhone Duo but, according to a new rumour, Samsung is planning to complement its foldable phones with a so-called ‘Galaxy Z Slide’ in 2027.

The X-based tipster ‘The Galox’ (via 9to5Google) reckons a handset that slides open rather than unfolds could be one of six phones in the category coming next year. While the rumour is to be taken with a pinch of salt, the purported leaker says there’ll also be an extra Galaxy Z Fold 9 model – meaning there’d be standard, Pro, and Ultra models, as well as a second-generation Z TriFold and a ninth-generation Z Flip 9.

“The 2027 Galaxy Z lineup will be the biggest foldable lineup ever, with battery, thickness & weight improvements across the board,” the leaker said.

Various reports have suggested the current Z Flip 8 will be the last of its ilk, while I’d be really surprised if Samsung decided to add another Z Fold to the mix. The slidable phone is an interesting one given Samsung did indeed bring such concepts to the CES 2025 and were demonstrating the tech as far back as 2023.

The Slidable Flex Duet was an 8.1-inch 4:3 tablet that could be pulled out at either side to create a wider 12.4-inch touchscreen display. The Slidable Flex Solo extended from 13-inches to 17.3-inches, while the Slidable Flex Vertical extended vertically from 5.1-inches to 6.7-inches.

Whether any of those have approached readiness for prime time is unclear, but it would be interesting to see this new take on having an extendable display.