FCC filings confirm the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra design, and a separate Wide Fold is shaping up to be the more interesting device of the two.
Samsung's upcoming foldables just passed through the FCC under known model numbers, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra carrying the identifier SM-F976U. The filings include an image confirming the book-style foldable design that matches Samsung's existing Ultra formula, according to Droid Life.
But the device missing from those FCC listings is the one generating the most buzz. The Galaxy Wide Fold, a passport-style foldable with an extra-wide internal display, was absent from the regulatory filings.
ZDNET Korea reports the Wide Fold will use 60-micrometer-thick glass over its inner display, compared to 45 micrometers on the regular Galaxy Z Fold 8, as Android Authority noted. The thicker glass should reduce the visible crease down the middle of the screen and improve durability when the phone is folded shut.
Leaker Ice Universe posted a side-by-side comparison of screen protectors for the Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8, revealing design changes across the lineup. The standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 is getting a wider cover screen, addressing a long-standing complaint that the outer display felt cramped, per India TV News. The Z Flip 8 trades its two separate camera cutouts for a single, longer pill-shaped opening.
All three foldables are expected to launch at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22 in London. Both the Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra will reportedly run Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, while the Flip 8 uses Samsung's own Exynos 2600 processor.
The FCC also cleared the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (SM-L715) and four Galaxy Watch 9 models spanning two sizes with WiFi and cellular options. If the thicker glass on the Wide Fold proves successful, Samsung may bring 60-micrometer display glass to next year's Galaxy Z Fold 9 as well.
