Samsung appears to be pushing forward with development of a wider variant of its popular Galaxy Z Fold foldable phone. Recent discoveries within the early builds of the company’s One UI 9 software reveal animations hinting at the device’s design, fueling speculation about a potential launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 later this year. The emergence of these animations marks the most concrete evidence yet of Samsung’s plans for a broader foldable lineup.
The details surfaced after Android Authority reported on findings from digging into Android Package Kits (APKs) and were initially spotted by Telegram user wr3ckl3ss. These APKs contain code and resources for the upcoming One UI 9, and within them, developers uncovered animations depicting a foldable phone with a noticeably wider aspect ratio. This discovery aligns with previous reports suggesting Samsung is internally referring to the device as the “Wide Fold.”
While Samsung has not officially confirmed the existence of the “Wide” Galaxy Z Fold, the code within One UI 9 carries a product codename – “H8” – which has been previously linked to the model number SM-F971U. Although APK data doesn’t guarantee a final product release, it provides a strong indication of hardware currently under development. The animations showcase the device opening and closing, offering a glimpse into its form factor, though concrete visual assets like leaked photos remain absent.
The concept of a wider Galaxy Z Fold isn’t new. A report from Korean news outlet Etnews detailed Samsung’s internal function on a “Wide Fold” device, describing a squarer, boxier design with a 4:3 aspect ratio. According to that report, the unfolded display could measure 7.6 inches, while the cover display would be 5.4 inches. CNET notes this potential design shift could position Samsung to compete more directly with Apple, which is rumored to be entering the foldable market in 2026 with its own iPhone Fold.
What the Animations Reveal
The animations discovered within the One UI 9 APKs, as reported by Android Authority, show the device unlocking and transitioning between folded and unfolded states. These animations highlight the wider aspect ratio, differentiating it from the more traditionally proportioned Galaxy Z Fold series. The animations also reveal the placement of selfie cameras on both the cover and inner displays, mirroring the setup found on the current Galaxy Z Fold 7.
A Potential Shift in Foldable Design
Currently, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 features a display with a near 1.11:1 ratio when unfolded. Leaks suggest the “Wide Fold” could adopt a 16:10 aspect ratio, more akin to the displays found on many laptops. This change in proportions could address a common desire among foldable users for a device that feels wider and shorter in hand, potentially improving multitasking and content consumption. The Gadget Flow highlights this potential shift as a key differentiator for the new device.
Timing and Pricing Considerations
The presence of “Wide Fold” references in One UI 9 suggests a launch timeframe aligned with the release of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, anticipated for summer 2026. Pricing remains a significant question mark. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Trifold, launched earlier this year, carried a hefty price tag of $2,899. The “Wide Fold” is expected to be positioned as a more accessible option than the Trifold, potentially offering a lower entry point into the foldable market.
As Samsung continues to innovate in the foldable space, the “Wide” Galaxy Z Fold represents a potential evolution of the form factor. While official details remain scarce, the evidence emerging from software code and industry reports suggests a compelling new device is on the horizon. The coming months will likely bring further leaks and confirmations as Samsung prepares to potentially shake up its foldable lineup and respond to increasing competition from rivals like Apple.
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