Galaxy Z TriFold hits a key milestone ahead of US release

Samsung's first tri-folding smartphone—a device that can fold and unfold twice—is almost here. After teasing it at a recent event, rumors suggest Samsung will fully unveil the Galaxy Z TriFold on December 5.

As you may already know, the Galaxy Z TriFold, which will feature a 10-inch main display and a 6.5-inch cover screen, is set for a limited initial launch, with the US being the only Western market currently slated to get it. One thing that will remain consistent with other flagship Galaxy launches, however, is that the TriFold will be sold both through carriers and as an unlocked model in the USA.

Until now, Samsung appeared to be testing firmware only for the carrier-locked variant (SM-F968U) of the device. But SamMobile can confirm that firmware testing for the unlocked variant—model number SM-F968U1—is now underway as well.

For a phone set to launch in less than a month, firmware testing kicking off this late is a little unexpected. Still, it’s worth keeping in mind that the TriFold is a major device for Samsung, and the company has likely been trying to keep it under wraps for as long as possible. Essentially, testing may have begun earlier but managed to stay under the radar.

Either way, what matters is that the Galaxy Z TriFold’s debut is closer than ever, and Samsung fans in the select countries getting it at launch will soon be able to pick one up. Well, at least if they're willing to part with a good chunk of the hard-earned money.