Samsung W27 Foldable Expected to Hit Chinese Stores Next Week
The device is a rebranded Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra with a blue and gold design, scheduled for release on October 29.
By Ayanda Boateng ·
Samsung is set to release its final foldable phone for 2026 in China next week. The device, known as the Galaxy W27, is expected to go on sale on October 29. This release continues a long-standing annual tradition where Samsung creates a special, China-exclusive version of its top folding smartphone.
The W27 is not a new piece of hardware. It is a rebranded version of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, the company's current top-tier folding model. The leaked images show a glossy blue back panel with gold accents surrounding the triple camera array. This styling matches the typical aesthetic of the W series, which often features distinct packaging and finishes not found in the global lineup.
The choice to base the W27 on the Ultra model is notable. The standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a new, wider form factor that has been well-received by customers. However, the W27 retains the traditional tall, narrow shape of the Ultra. This decision aligns with market trends in China, where wide-format foldables from competitors like Huawei and Xiaomi are gaining market share.
In the past, these China-only releases have served as minor variations. The exception was the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition in 2024, which saw a broader release. That model acted as a precursor to the significant design shift seen in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. For 2026, the W27 follows the standard pattern of being a cosmetic update to the existing flagship.
The announcement comes as Samsung emphasizes the success of its current foldable line. The company states that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is selling well, noting that the arrival of the iPhone Duo has increased attention to the category. Analysts predict that global shipments of foldable display panels will rise by 44 percent in 2026 as more manufacturers adopt wider screen designs.
If the leaked schedule holds, the W27 will be the last Samsung foldable released this year. The company has several new folding devices planned for 2027. The W27 launch will occur just six days after today, bringing the 2026 foldable cycle to a close for the Chinese market.
The device will feature the same internal specifications as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. No new hardware features have been mentioned in the leak. The release date of October 29 is the primary detail provided by the leaker Ice Universe, who shared the visual rendering of the phone.
