Samsung has registered the name “Galaxy Z Trifold,” according to a newly disclosed trademark application, reinforcing signals that the company is preparing to debut a tri-fold smartphone before the end of the year. Firmware code examined by developers references the device and points to Qualcomm’s forthcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, indicating the handset is likely to share flagship-grade silicon with this year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 line. The move comes as demand for Samsung’s conventional foldables rebounds. Industry analysts cited in Korean trade publications expect combined domestic pre-orders for the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 to surpass the 1.02 million units logged by last year’s models, helped by broader cover displays, thinner frames and aggressive trade-in incentives. To maintain its lead as competition intensifies, Samsung is also expected to adopt laser-drilled metal display plates supplied by South Korea’s Fine M-Tec for future models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 due in 2026. Fine M-Tec this week said it will invest US$10 million to expand production of the crease-reducing component, a technology Apple is also tipped to use in its first foldable iPhone.