The South Korean manufacturer is planning to run a pilot program for its prototype foldable phone. Tens of thousands of such devices are expected to be ready by the end of 2017; they will be used to measure overall consumer interest as well as provide feedback on the UI.
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsung-to-produce-a-limited-number-of-foldable-phones-this-year.212934.0.html