For the last seven years, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series has been defined by a “tall and narrow” remote-control aesthetic. However, according to recent leaks from internal One UI 9 test servers, that era is coming to a close.
A newly discovered model, the Samsung Wide Fold (SM-F971U), has been spotted in system animations. This isn’t just a spec bump; it’s a fundamental rethinking of the foldable footprint, moving toward a wider, more traditional smartphone experience when closed.
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Landscape vs. Portrait: The “H8” Design Revolution
The leaked animations, first identified by Android Authority, show a device codenamed “H8” that opens horizontally rather than vertically.
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The Cover Screen: Moving away from the current 22:9 ratios, the Wide Fold adopts a 16:10 aspect ratio. This makes it wider than even the original Google Pixel Fold, providing a natural typing experience on the front screen.
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The Inner Canvas: Once unfolded, the device offers a 9:7 aspect ratio. This “squarer” display is optimized for content consumption, drastically reducing the black bars (letterboxing) seen when watching 16:9 videos or scrolling through Instagram.
One UI 9 and Android 17: Software for a Squarer Screen
The Wide Fold is currently being tested with One UI 9 (based on Android 17). Our analysis of the leaked firmware suggests Samsung is preparing several “landscape-first” software features:
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“Now Nudge”: A new Galaxy AI feature that contextually suggests actions based on on-screen content, specifically optimized for the larger, wider workspace.
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Improved App Scaling: One UI 9 will include a new “WideFoldModel” flag in the framework, forcing third-party apps to scale correctly without stretching or cropping on the 4:3 panel.
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Multitasking 2.0: The wider screen allows for two full-sized apps to sit side-by-side in portrait mode, rather than the narrow strips seen on the standard Fold series.
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Investigative Angle: Why Samsung is Splitting the Fold Lineup
Our investigative data suggests that the SM-F971U isn’t a replacement for the Z Fold 8, but a high-volume companion model.
The Strategy: Samsung is reportedly planning to sell at least 1 million units of the Wide Fold in its first year. By launching both a standard Fold 8 (narrow/portable) and a Wide Fold (productive/media-heavy), Samsung is hedging its bets. This move targets “Passport-style” foldable fans who previously defected to the Pixel Fold or OnePlus Open.
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[GALAXY FOLD 2026 LINEUP COMPARISON]
| Feature | Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Standard) | Galaxy Wide Fold (H8) |
| Model Number | SM-F976 | SM-F971 |
| Outer Aspect Ratio | 22:9 (Tall/Narrow) | 16:10 (Wide/Phone-like) |
| Inner Aspect Ratio | ~1.1:1 (Nearly Square) | 9:7 (4:3 Tablet-like) |
| Focus | Portability & One-Handed Use | Media, Gaming & Typing |
| OS at Launch | One UI 9 / Android 17 | One UI 9 / Android 17 |
The “iPhone Fold” Factor: A 2026 Aspect Ratio War
The timing of this leak is no coincidence. Industry insiders confirm that Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone—heavily rumored for a late 2026 release—will also utilize a 4:3 aspect ratio. By launching the Wide Fold in July, Samsung gains a “first-mover” advantage, attempting to establish its wider form factor as the market standard before Apple enters the arena.
Next Steps
If you’ve found the current Z Fold series too narrow for comfortable typing, you should hold off on buying the Z Fold 7 and wait for the July 2026 Unpacked event. Furthermore, if you are a developer, you should start testing your apps on the Android 17 Beta, as the “WideFoldModel” flag will require specific optimization for this new landscape-style layout.
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