Samsung have another folding device in the works

Rumours have been circulating for a few months now about a potential new Samsung Fold device, possibly launching alongside the forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 later this year. Although detailed specifications are scarce, leaks offer some key insights into what the Korean giant might be preparing.

The central speculation, which has gained significant traction recently, suggests Samsung is developing a 'wide-style' foldable device. This is thought to be a strategic move, positioning them to compete directly and aggressively with the highly anticipated iPhone Fold, a device that many analysts believe will significantly disrupt the foldable market. The current design of the Galaxy Z Fold series offers a tall, narrow cover screen, but this new wide-style model suggests Samsung is looking to address consumer demand for a more conventional, wider smartphone experience when the device is closed, mirroring the standard form factor of most flagship phones.

While concrete specs remain elusive, the concept of a wider aspect ratio implies a much more usable cover display for everyday tasks—typing, browsing, and media consumption—without constantly needing to open the device. This shift could make the foldable concept far more appealing to a mainstream audience currently hesitant about the Z Fold's tall and slender outer screen.

The momentum behind these rumours has accelerated over the last few days, and we now have concrete (albeit early) technical evidence to examine.

First up, lending significant weight to the 'wide-style' device theory, is a GIF render that was recently discovered deep within the latest Samsung One UI 9 APK files. The inclusion of this particular render within Samsung's own software framework strongly suggests that the company is actively developing or at least testing this new form factor, a process that usually precedes a major product launch.

Rumours are currently circulating in the tech community, hinting at the development of a brand new Samsung foldable smartphone, potentially bearing the model number SM-F971U and internally codenamed 'H8'. The most compelling aspect of these whispers suggests a significant departure from the design philosophy of the current Galaxy Z Fold series, specifically concerning the internal display's aspect ratio. The new device is expected to embrace a wider screen format, moving away from the more square-like internal screens that have characterised previous Z Fold models.

A recently leaked render, which appears to be highly credible, strongly suggests that the design of this forthcoming foldable will bear a striking resemblance to the original Google Pixel Fold. The Pixel Fold was notable for its distinctively wider external cover screen and, crucially, its wider internal folding display. If Samsung is indeed following this design cue, it could indicate the adoption of a traditional cinematic 16:9 aspect ratio for the main, foldable screen. Such a shift could concurrently lead to a physical increase in size, with speculation pointing towards a potentially large 8-inch internal display.

Rumours are currently circulating in the tech community, hinting at the development of a brand new Samsung foldable smartphone, potentially bearing the model number SM-F971U and internally codenamed 'H8'. The most compelling aspect of these whispers suggests a significant departure from the design philosophy of the current Galaxy Z Fold series, specifically concerning the internal display's aspect ratio. The new device is expected to embrace a wider screen format, moving away from the more square-like internal screens that have characterised previous Z Fold models.

A recently leaked render, which appears to be highly credible, strongly suggests that the design of this forthcoming foldable will bear a striking resemblance to the original Google Pixel Fold. The Pixel Fold was notable for its distinctively wider external cover screen and, crucially, its wider internal folding display. If Samsung is indeed following this design cue, it could indicate the adoption of a traditional cinematic 16:9 aspect ratio for the main, foldable screen. Such a shift could concurrently lead to a physical increase in size, with speculation pointing towards a potentially large 8-inch internal display.

This move to a wider aspect ratio is seen as a direct response to one of the most persistent criticisms levelled against existing book-style foldables. Due to their squarer screens, viewing video content, especially that produced in the common 16:9 format, results in significant, distracting black bars appearing both above and below the picture. By adopting a 16:9 or similar wider ratio, Samsung would effectively resolve this common user complaint, enhancing the media consumption experience for which large foldable screens are primarily designed.

For a more in-depth analysis and visual representation of these circulating rumours and leaks, interested parties are encouraged to view the video content recently published by our owner, Mike, which provides a comprehensive breakdown of the potential specifications and design changes.

Many people are likely curious whether Samsung will offer any glimpse of the device at the forthcoming Samsung Unpacked event next week. While I would be very surprised if they do, Samsung has previously used the end of these events to subtly hint at upcoming product lines. Given that an Apple launch is also imminent, they might choose this moment to provide a quick tease.

In a few days, we'll be at MWC 26. While there, we plan to seek confirmation from Samsung regarding the existence of this device.