Samsung W27 foldable targets October 29 release in China

Samsung is set to release one last foldable device in 2026, with a new leak indicating the Galaxy W27 will arrive in China on October 29. The date marks the end of the company's foldable calendar for the current year.

Leaker Ice Universe shared an image of the device, showing a glossy blue back with gold accents surrounding a triple-camera array. The visual details align with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which serves as the base model for this release. The W27 continues a yearly tradition where Samsung rebrands its top-tier foldable for the Chinese market, typically adding unique styling and elaborate packaging.

The choice to base the W27 on the Ultra model rather than the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a notable departure. The standard model features a new shape that has been well-received by customers. However, the W27 specifications match the Ultra variant exactly. This move follows a pattern set in 2024, when the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition received a wider release to prepare consumers for the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The launch coincides with a shift in the Chinese market toward wide-format foldables. Competitors such as Huawei have been releasing wide foldables for years, and Xiaomi's latest device shares a similar form factor. Analysts predict that global foldable display shipments will rise by 44% in 2026, driven largely by the arrival of these wider devices.

Samsung recently stated that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is performing well in sales, noting that the launch of the iPhone Duo has increased attention on its foldable lineup. The company has also been updating several Galaxy devices to Android 17. If the leaked October 29 date holds, the W27 will be the final foldable from Samsung before new models are planned for next year.

The W27 is exclusive to China, meaning it will not be sold in other regions. This release maintains the distinct separation between Samsung's global and Chinese product lines, where the W series acts as a specialized variant of the main hardware.