- Early One UI 9 builds reveal animations of a wider Samsung book style foldable.
- The design appears broader than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and possibly the Fold 8.
- The move may be aimed at directly competing with Apple’s rumored iPhone Fold.
- Both Samsung and Apple are expected to launch foldables in 2026.
Samsung’s next big foldable phone might have just slipped out early and not through a hardware leak, but via software. Early builds of One UI 9 appear to include animations that point to a wider book style foldable, potentially designed to go head to head with Apple’s long rumored iPhone Fold in 2026.
The discovery comes from hidden files inside development versions of Samsung’s upcoming 2026 software update. Within the code, an animation shows a foldable device that looks noticeably broader than the current Galaxy Z Fold line.
While Samsung has not confirmed anything, the dimensions and aspect ratio seen in the animation strongly suggest this is not simply the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
If accurate, this could signal a strategic shift in Samsung’s foldable design philosophy just as Apple prepares to enter the category.
A Wider Form Factor Revealed in Software
The leaked animation reportedly showcases a book style foldable that opens into a larger, squarer internal display. Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the external screen appears less tall and narrow, hinting at a more traditional smartphone shape when folded shut.
This detail matters. One of the long standing criticisms of Samsung’s Fold series has been its tall, slim cover screen. While functional, it can feel cramped for typing and everyday use. A wider design could make the device more practical as a standalone phone without needing to unfold it constantly.
The animation also provides a brief glimpse of the lock screen and interface scaling. Icons and layout elements appear optimized for a broader canvas, reinforcing the idea that this is a distinct hardware profile rather than a minor tweak.
Internal codenames tied to the animation reportedly match those linked to a rumored wider Fold model, strengthening the case that Samsung is actively developing this alternative design.
Why Samsung Needs a Wider Fold
At first glance, it might seem unnecessary. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to arrive in mid 2026 if Samsung follows its usual launch calendar. So why introduce another variant?
The answer likely lies in Apple.
Rumors suggest that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will adopt a wider, squarer aspect ratio when closed. Instead of the tall, remote control like profile of many current book style foldables, Apple may opt for proportions closer to a standard iPhone. When unfolded, the device would then expand into a tablet sized display with a more balanced shape.
If that proves true, Samsung may not want its flagship Fold to be compared unfavorably in side by side reviews. A wider Galaxy Fold variant would allow Samsung to directly compete on form factor, rather than just hardware specs and software features.
In other words, this could be less about replacing the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and more about expanding the lineup to cover multiple preferences. One model could retain the classic narrow design, while another targets users who want a more conventional feel when the phone is closed.
A Crowded Foldable Future in 2026
The foldable market is already becoming more complex. Samsung has been experimenting with different form factors, including larger and more ambitious concepts. By 2026, buyers could be choosing between a standard Fold, a wider Fold variant, and possibly even more experimental devices.
Meanwhile, Apple’s entry into the segment is expected to shake up the space in a major way. Even before launch, the iPhone Fold has generated intense speculation. If both companies debut their devices in the same year, the result could be the most high profile foldable showdown yet.
For Samsung, releasing a wider Fold would be a defensive and offensive move at the same time. It would prevent Apple from owning a unique design advantage while also giving consumers more choice within the Galaxy ecosystem.
Of course, all of this remains unofficial. Software leaks do not always translate into shipping products. Designs can change, projects can be canceled, and timelines can shift. Still, the presence of detailed animations inside One UI 9 suggests this is more than a rough concept.
If Samsung is indeed preparing a wider foldable for 2026, the battle for foldable dominance is about to become far more interesting.
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