Samsung Prepares Foldable Redesign Amid China Trade Battle

President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs are already creating concern, even before he has officially taken office.

A recent development stemming from this anticipated trade conflict with China is Samsung’s decision to use glass for the backplanes of its foldable phones. Simply put, backplanes serve as a support structure between a foldable phone’s hinge and its display.

Titanium, which was used for the backplane of the Galaxy Z Fold SE, is mainly sourced from Chinese manufacturers. Given Trump’s focus on China more than other countries, this could lead to increased costs for utilizing titanium in smartphones. Consequently, both Apple and Samsung are likely to decrease their dependence on titanium and other materials imported from China.

In fact, both companies may be considering abandoning titanium frames altogether, despite their relatively recent introduction. Reports indicate that Samsung Display has started designing a glass backplane, which could be implemented by 2026. Additionally, other materials used in various Galaxy foldables, such as specialized steel and plastic, may also be replaced with glass.

If glass backplanes become standard in Samsung’s foldable devices, we can anticipate several changes. The company will undoubtedly invest significant resources into researching the optimal way to incorporate glass while minimizing drawbacks. However, switching materials brings its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Heat dissipation might slightly decline with the new glass backplanes, as glass acts as an insulator. On the positive side, manufacturing costs could decrease, potentially leading to lower prices for consumers (perhaps).

Additionally, glass is more readily available, which may further help to reduce long-term costs. Furthermore, glass could be lighter than the materials Samsung has previously used, making it easier for the company to continue its trend of creating slimmer and lighter phones.

While it’s still too early to determine whether the tariff situation will result in significant changes, companies are nonetheless preparing in advance.

Apple is likely to seek tariff exemptions, similar to its approach during the early years of Trump’s administration. Meanwhile, TSMC has paused the completion of a U.S. plant, awaiting the new president’s decision. As a result, we may either see redesigned phones or simply higher prices. The next four years promise to be… intriguing.