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| Unofficial render of Galaxy Wide Fold, unfolded. |
The foldable phone market is about to get a lot more interesting. While the world waits for the next iterations of the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip, Samsung is quietly preparing to shake up its own lineup with a device that changes the fundamental shape of the book-style foldable.
For months, whispers and speculation have pointed to a mysterious new device internally known as the "Wide Fold." Unlike the tall, narrow candy-bar design of the current Galaxy Z Fold series, this new variant is rumored to prioritize a broader, more tablet-like canvas. And now, thanks to some digital sleuthing, we finally have our clearest look yet at what Samsung has in store.
A Glimpse Inside the Code
Thanks to a collaborative effort between Android Authority and leaker wr3ckl3ss on Telegram, animations hidden within system APKs have been unearthed, and they appear to showcase the unreleased "Wide Z Fold" in action. While these aren't official marketing renders, the discovery of these system animations is a significant step up from the user-generated concept art we've seen in the past.
Check out the full discovery and the leaked animations at Android Authority here.
The clips are simple, designed to demonstrate the folding mechanism rather than the intricate hardware details. You won't be able to zoom in on the camera bump or count the side buttons. However, they perfectly illustrate the core philosophy of the device: the aspect ratio.
As the phone opens and closes in the animation, the "wider" nature of the screen becomes immediately apparent compared to the current Galaxy Z Fold 7. It appears stockier and more square when opened, hinting at an internal display that feels less like a narrow strip and more like a genuine tablet. The animations also confirm the presence of two selfie camera cutouts—one on the cover display and one on the inner screen—a design language that remains consistent with the existing Galaxy Z Fold 7, available on Amazon.
Decoding the "H8" and SM-F971U
In the world of tech leaks, names are everything, and this device has been a puzzle. The animations were traced back to an internal codename: "H8." This "H8" is believed to be directly linked to the model number SM-F971U.
To put that in perspective, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 carries the model number SM-F966U, while the upcoming Z Fold 8 is expected to be SM-F976U. The existence of an "F97" series number slotting in between the Fold 6 and Fold 8 lineages is a massive clue. It strongly suggests that the "Wide Fold" isn't just a concept; it's a distinct product being prepped for a launch trajectory alongside its more established siblings.
This theory gained even more traction recently when the SM-F971U model number popped up again, this time in test firmware for Samsung's upcoming One UI 9. This is a classic sign that Samsung is actively testing its new operating system on this specific hardware, ensuring it's ready for a potential release later this year. It points to a timeline where the Wide Fold launches in tandem with the Z Fold 8 and the Z Flip 8.
What to Expect: Specs and Market Position
So, if this device is real and coming soon, what will it look like on paper? The early speculation points to a significant shift in dimensions. While the current Galaxy Z Fold series features a narrow 23.1:9 cover display and a square-ish 6:5 inner screen when opened, the "Wide Fold" is aiming for true tablet territory.
Rumors suggest the main internal display will boast a 4:3 aspect ratio—the classic, balanced shape of an iPad. This is a creator-friendly and reader-friendly format that makes documents, comics, and magazines feel much more natural. This screen is expected to measure in at 7.6 inches, which is actually the same diagonal measurement as the Z Fold 7's inner screen, but the distribution of that space will be vastly different. Meanwhile, the cover display is rumored to be a much more manageable 5.4 inches, making it far easier to use one-handed when the phone is closed compared to the current remote-control-like cover screens.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect is Samsung's alleged strategy for this device. It is expected to position the "Wide Fold" as a cheaper alternative to the flagship Galaxy Z Fold 8. By offering a different form factor at a lower price point, Samsung could appeal to users who want a foldable for media consumption and productivity but found the price or the tall aspect ratio of the standard Fold unappealing.
Furthermore, it is said that this device will launch in more markets than the recently rumored (and ultra-premium) Galaxy Z TriFold. While the TriFold will likely be a limited, halo product for enthusiasts, the Wide Fold could be the device that brings foldable technology to the masses.
The Bigger Picture
Samsung is clearly diversifying its foldable portfolio. With the Z Flip series catering to compact users, the Z Fold series for power users, the TriFold on the horizon for the ultimate multitaskers, and now the "Wide Fold" for media lovers, the company is leaving no stone unturned.
For now, we have to rely on code-diving and speculation, but the evidence is mounting. The "Wide Fold"—whether it launches as the Galaxy Z Fold 10, the Galaxy Z Tab, or something entirely new—represents a fascinating evolution. It acknowledges that "foldable" isn't a one-size-fits-all category and that the future of the form factor lies in specialization. If you've been holding out on foldables because the screens just felt too skinny, your wait might almost be over.
