Delay of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition baffles customers

Delays are plaguing the domestic release of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition (SE), the slimmest and lightest model in its foldable smartphone line, on its launch day.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition (SE) [SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS]

Delays are plaguing the domestic release of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition (SE), the slimmest and lightest model in its foldable smartphone line, on its launch day.

The D-day of the latest Galaxy Z foldable was initially set at 9 a.m. today, as pinned by the electronics maker on Monday.

Samsung promoted the model as the thinnest and lightest of the Galaxy Z series. It is 10.6 millimeters (0.4 inches) thick and weighs 236 grams (8.2 ounces), 1.5 millimeters slimmer and 3 grams lighter than the Z Fold 6.

However, the new product was unavailable at the scheduled time, stirring confusion among consumers eager to get their hands on the latest model.

Sales should have begun at 9 a.m. through Samsung.com, the company’s website, and the official online stores of major telecom providers. On Samsung.com, the message for the sales tab simply read that it is "preparing the product" without further explanation, and the product could not be found at telecom providers’ online stores.

Offline sales were also unavailable at 25 pop-up stores in major department stores nationwide.

“I am so confused,” wrote one user in an online post. “First they [Samsung] say that it’s going to open at 9. a.m. but don’t, then say that they’ll tell us what’s going on at 2 p.m. but don’t, then again at 3 p.m. Can’t they even make it on the schedule?”

A Samsung spokesperson briefly said the delay was due to “internal inspections” and that the product would be released at 4 p.m.

The model was still unavailable for purchase on Samsung.com after 4 p.m.

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]