Samsung's Next Foldable Revolution: The Galaxy Z Wide Fold & Z Fold 8
Leaked software and supply chain reports suggest Samsung is preparing a major shake-up for its foldable lineup in mid-2026, including a radically new form factor.
Multiple reports from software analysis, leaked images, and supply chain sources indicate Samsung is developing three foldable smartphones for a potential mid-2026 launch: the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Flip 8, and a new model tentatively named the Galaxy Z Wide Fold (also referred to as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 "Wide").
Development and Software Evidence
Images and animations of the new "Wide Fold" device have been discovered in builds of Samsung's unreleased One UI 9 software.
- The device is identified by the model number SM-F971U and the internal codename H8.
- One UI 9 firmware carries the build number F971USQU0AZB1.
- The standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 is identified by the codename Q8.
Both light and dark versions of the "Wide Fold" animations were found. The presence of this device in One UI 9 builds supports expectations for a summer launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8.
Design and Form Factor
According to leak sources, the Galaxy Z Wide Fold is expected to feature a significantly wider and shorter form factor than the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8.
"The 4:3 aspect ratio reportedly aligns with the Galaxy Z TriFold and a rumored foldable iPhone from Apple."
Key Dimensions & Display:
- Inner Display: 7.6 inches with a 4:3 aspect ratio (compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7's approximate 1.11:1 ratio).
- Cover Display: 5.4 inches.
- Device Profile: 123.9 x 161.4 x 4.9mm. This is approximately 34mm shorter and 18.2mm wider than the expected Galaxy Z Fold 8.
Camera: Leaked images from One UI 9 software show a rear camera bump similar to the Galaxy S25 Edge, with a dual-camera setup. One report suggests the camera system may mirror the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8, potentially including a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera.
Comparison: The wider form factor has been compared to that of the original Google Pixel Fold and the Oppo Find N2. The design is considered to offer a "short and stout" profile.
Battery and Performance
- Battery: A leak from tipster Digital Chat Station claims the wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 will feature a 4,800mAh battery (based on a combined rated capacity of 4,660mAh from two cells). This would be larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 7's 4,400mAh battery but smaller than the Galaxy Z TriFold's battery.
- Processor: The device is speculated to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset.
Launch and Production Targets
- Timeline: Multiple sources indicate Samsung is targeting a launch for its new foldable devices in the third quarter of the year, with July and August cited as likely months. One report specifies July 22 as a potential date.
- Production Volume: According to supply chain sources, Samsung plans to produce 1 million units of the Galaxy Wide Fold. This production volume is higher than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition (500,000 units) and the Galaxy Z TriFold (30,000 units).
This suggests the device is intended as a standard product within the foldable lineup, rather than a limited edition. (For comparison, Samsung sold approximately 6 million units of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 last year.)
Standard Galaxy Z Fold 8
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is not expected to undergo significant design changes, with leaked renders and images showing a device nearly identical to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The device may include a 5,000mAh battery and support 45W wired charging.
Status of Information
All information regarding the Galaxy Z Wide Fold and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is based on software analysis, leaked renders, dummy units, and supply chain reports. Samsung has not issued any official statements regarding the specifications, design, or launch of these devices.