Samsung is anticipated to launch a new series of foldable smartphones in the third quarter of 2026, likely in July or August. The lineup is expected to include at least two Galaxy Z Fold 8 variants, a Galaxy Z Flip 8, and a new model tentatively referred to as the "Wide Fold" or "Galaxy Z Wide Fold." These devices are expected to be the first to feature Google's Gemini Intelligence AI features, part of the Android 17 / One UI 9 software platform.
Product Lineup and Design
Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Standard)
The standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to feature a wider form factor compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Leaked dummy units and renders show a design with a wider, shorter aspect ratio, with an outer display similar to the original Google Pixel Fold.
Reported specifications, which should be treated with caution as they originate from unnamed sources, include:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
- Weight: 210g.
- Thickness: 4.1mm when unfolded.
- Cameras: 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP selfie.
- Battery: 5,000 mAh with support for 45W charging.
Color options, based on official case leaks, include lavender, white/silver, and black/gray.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 "Ultra"
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is expected to retain a design similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with a taller and narrower form factor. Leaked specifications for this model include:
- Thickness: 4.1mm when unfolded, 8.9mm when folded.
- Weight: 215g.
- Battery: 5,000 mAh with support for 45W charging.
Color options include dark purple/burgundy, white/silver, and black/gray.
Galaxy Z Fold "Wide" / "Galaxy Z Wide Fold"
Samsung is developing a new model with a significantly wider form factor, internally codenamed H8 (model number SM-F971). Firmware analysis and leaked screenshots indicate the device will feature a 4:3 aspect ratio for its inner foldable display.
Leaked renders show a dual-camera setup on the rear (50MP wide and 50MP ultrawide), a stubby design, and a squat cover screen. The outer display is reported to be 5.4 inches. One UI 9 animations for this device have been found in early software builds.
- Expected weight: approximately 201g.
- Battery: 4,800 mAh with support for 45W charging.
- Production: Samsung is reportedly planning to produce 1 million units of this model.
- Price positioning: Based on its model number, some reports suggest this could be a more affordable option compared to the standard Z Fold models.
Color options include lavender, white/silver, and black/gray.
Galaxy Z Flip 8
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is expected to launch alongside the other foldables. Color options include pink, white/silver, and black/gray.
Launch Timeline and Availability
- Event: Samsung's summer Galaxy Unpacked event is reportedly scheduled for July 22, 2026.
- Release: The devices are expected to hit store shelves on August 7, 2026.
- A shortened pre-registration period is anticipated.
Software: One UI 9 and Google Gemini Intelligence
One UI 9
Samsung's One UI 9 software, based on Android 17, is currently in beta. The stable version is expected to launch with the new foldable devices.
Google Gemini Intelligence
Google's Gemini Intelligence, a suite of advanced AI features, is set to debut on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 series. Google has stated that Gemini Intelligence will roll out on Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices in summer 2026.
Minimum Requirements: Devices must have at least 12GB of RAM and support for Gemini Nano v3 or higher, as well as AI Core.
Features include:
- A new design language for Gemini tasks.
- Improved autofill across Google apps.
- Gboard voice-to-text feature "Rambler" with real-time corrections.
- "Create my Widget" for generating widgets via text prompts.
- Agentic capabilities, allowing AI to complete multi-step tasks on behalf of the user.
Compatibility: The requirements for Gemini Nano v3 mean that many 2025 devices, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Google Pixel 9 series, and Samsung Galaxy S25 series, do not meet the specifications. Devices confirmed or expected to support Gemini Nano v3 include:
- Google Pixel 10 series
- Samsung Galaxy S26 series
- OnePlus 15, 15R
- OPPO Find X9 series, Reno series
- Honor Magic 8 Pro
- iQOO 15
- Vivo X200 series, X300 series
Hardware and Accessories
Charging and Magnetic Accessories
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 series is expected to support 45W wired charging, an upgrade from the 25W charging on previous models. Some official cases include magnets for wireless charging alignment, likely for Qi2 compatibility, though Samsung has not yet added magnets to the phones themselves.
Cases
Leaked official cases indicate a variety of designs, including clear cases and those featuring art by Esther Kim, Joker, and Kakao Corp. Aramid fiber cases with dual-color designs were also seen. A leak noted that most cases for the wider Fold model lack a front half.
Note: The information regarding the Galaxy Z TriFold is not part of the 2026 lineup but was mentioned in sources as a context for comparison. Some reports mentioned additional colors (e.g., "Pistachio" for Fold 8, "Mint" for Flip 8) which are not confirmed by case renders.