Samsung's final 2026 foldable lands in China on October 29

Samsung is set to release its last foldable device of 2026 in China on October 29, according to a new leak. The device, identified as the Galaxy W27, will hit the market just six days from now.

Leaker Ice Universe shared an image of the phone, revealing a glossy blue back panel with gold accents surrounding a triple-camera setup. The hardware specifications match the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, confirming that the W27 is a rebranded version of that top-tier model rather than the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8.

This release continues a long-standing annual tradition for Samsung in the Chinese market. Each year, the company releases a China-only variant of its leading foldable, typically featuring distinct styling and elaborate packaging. The Galaxy W series serves as a localized rebrand of Samsung's flagship folding phone for that specific region.

The 2024 model was an exception to this pattern, as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition saw a broader release. That move was described as a precursor to the company's shift to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. For 2026, however, Samsung appears to be returning to its standard localized strategy.

The choice to base the W27 on the Ultra model stands out because the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a new shape that is reportedly resonating well with customers. Meanwhile, wide-format foldables are gaining popularity in China, with Xiaomi and Huawei releasing similar designs. Analysts predict that foldable display shipments will rise by 44% in 2026 as these wider formats become more common.

The timing of this leak coincides with increased attention on Samsung's foldable lineup. The company has stated that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a commercial success, noting that the launch of the iPhone Duo has increased focus on the category. Samsung has also begun updating several Galaxy devices to Android 17.

If the leaked date holds, the Galaxy W27 will be the final foldable device from Samsung for the 2026 calendar year. The company has several new foldable models planned for release next year.