Samsung may be making a surprising material decision for its highly anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 8. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 introduced a strong and lightweight titanium backplate, new reports suggest that Samsung is evaluating the possibility of dropping this premium component in the next version of its foldable device. Instead, the company might return to carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, a material it previously used for several generations of its foldable lineup.
This unexpected shift has raised eyebrows in the tech community. The reason behind it, however, is not performance but politics. Due to escalating trade tensions between China and the United States, access to titanium has become more unpredictable. Samsung currently relies heavily on Chinese suppliers for raw materials like titanium, and the unstable supply chain could force the company to explore more accessible alternatives.
From the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to the Z Fold 6, Samsung consistently used carbon fibre-reinforced plastic for the internal backplate before upgrading to titanium in the Z Fold 7. Titanium not only helped reduce weight but also improved the phone’s structural strength. Replacing it with carbon fibre might disappoint users who appreciated the refined feel and durability of the Z Fold 7, but Samsung may be prioritising production stability over premium build this time.
Another major point of interest is the potential return of stylus support. The Z Fold 7 removed the S Pen digitiser to make the device thinner, but Samsung is reportedly working on ways to bring stylus functionality back in future models without needing the bulk of a traditional digitiser. This development could be a game changer for productivity users who rely on stylus input.
Interestingly, some internal prototypes of the Z Fold 8 are also rumoured to explore the use of glass instead of both titanium and carbon fibre for the backplate. While still in early stages, such a move would align with Samsung’s push toward more premium aesthetics and durability in its foldable devices.
Samsung has not officially confirmed any of these changes, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is not expected to launch until the second half of 2026. However, the internal discussions around materials and design choices offer a glimpse into how global events and technical innovation are shaping the future of foldable phones.
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