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Samsung’s rumored wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 variant reappears with One UI 9 in tow

Samsung’s feeling reinvigorated in the foldable game. After catapulting itself back into the conversation with last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, the company recently launched a tri-fold model that, despite its sky-high price, can’t seem to stay in stock. We know Samsung is working on at least two additional book-style foldables for later this year, and now, its wider alternative is showing up with a fresh One UI 9 build.

As spotted by SamMobile, Samsung’s upcoming foldables have all been spotted with new One UI test builds, and unlike in previous years, it seems like the company has three models cooking for this summer. In addition to some unsurprising test builds meant for the mainline Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8, a third model — and, more specifically, a variant on the Fold — is also hear, rocking build number F971USQU0AZB1. While there’s nothing that guarantees this is the wider foldable model Samsung is rumored to be working on, it’s certainly coincidental timing that points to a revived take on a design last seen with Google’s original Pixel Fold.

Those are the rumors, anyway: a wider Galaxy Z Fold model that drops the (nearly) 1:1 aspect ratio for its inner display for something closer to 4:3. Samsung’s not alone in chasing down this refreshed design; Honor is apparently chasing something similar, with both companies responding to assumptions surrounding Apple’s heavily-rumored foldable iPhone expected to drop this fall. That didn’t work great for Samsung in 2025, but the foldable market is clearly its own beast.

It’s looking like a busy year for Samsung. In addition to the recently-launched Galaxy Z TriFold, we’re less than two weeks away from the Galaxy S26’s official unveiling. You can already pre-reserve that device, and if the foldable life isn’t for you, it’s not a bad call — throwing your email in the ring saves you $30 on your eventual purchase. That’s enough cash to pick up a Qi2-equipped case, something that, unfortunately, it’s looking like you’ll need.

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Avatar for Will Sattelberg Will Sattelberg

Will Sattelberg is a writer and podcaster at 9to5Google.
You can reach out to Will at will@9to5mac.com, or find him on Twitter @will_sattelberg