Samsung's "Wide" Galaxy Z Fold has surfaced in One UI 9 test builds, revealing a landscape-oriented foldable that could launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 this summer.
Code strings in the firmware include a "WideFoldModel" flag, indicating a device designed to open horizontally rather than vertically.
The test build adds credibility to rumors that Samsung is developing a new form factor alongside its standard book-style foldables. SamMobile discovered firmware vF971USQU0AZB1 for a mystery Galaxy foldable, which sources suggest could be the wide-body model. This device would run Android 17 and One UI 9 out of the box, matching the software expected for Samsung's 2026 foldable lineup.
Samsung already uses feature flags to categorize foldable devices, with TYPE_FOLD for standard book-style models and TYPE_MULTIFOLD for complex designs like the Galaxy Z TriFold. The new WideFoldModel category represents a third distinct classification in the company's software framework.
This suggests the wide foldable isn't just a variant but a fundamentally different device category.
The landscape-oriented design addresses a common complaint about Galaxy Z Fold devices: their narrow outer displays. A wider aspect ratio could improve video playback, gaming, and multitasking experiences. Android Central reports rumors of an 18:18 aspect ratio, which would provide more horizontal screen real estate immediately upon opening.
Development appears to be progressing quickly, with leaker Tarun Vats noting that "things are moving fast" regarding the firmware builds. Google recently announced its Android 17 beta is "coming soon", signaling the next major Android version is on track for a summer release. Samsung typically aligns its foldable launches with new Android versions.
The wide-body Z Fold model may replace the Z Flip FE that debuted last year to lukewarm response, according to Android Police. Samsung reportedly positions this wider model as a competitor to Apple's rumored foldable iPhone, which sources suggest could feature a similar landscape-first form factor.
Leaks from January indicate the Wide Fold could debut in China, Korea, the U.S., Canada, and other global markets. The device would join the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 in Samsung's 2026 foldable portfolio.
While pricing remains unknown, the wide model could slot between the standard Fold 8 and the premium TriFold, which launched at $2,899 for the 512GB variant.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, released in July 2025, set records in South Korea and the U.S. with its thinner design and 11% larger main display. The company continues to expand its foldable lineup as the market matures, with the wide model representing another attempt to address different user preferences and use cases.
The firmware discovery doesn't confirm final specifications or launch timing, but adding a new device category to One UI 9 indicates advanced preparation. Samsung typically unveils its foldables in late summer, suggesting the wide Galaxy Z Fold could arrive as early as August 2026 alongside Android 17.
