Sanuj Bhatia / Android Authority
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TL;DR
- Strong demand for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has prompted Samsung to test two new hardware directions for its successor: a larger “Plus” model and a spec-trimmed “FE” variant.
- The planned variation will sit alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 9 (Wide), but Samsung reportedly plans to bring only one of these variations to market.
- These plans remain in early testing and would not materialize until at least mid-2027, leaving them subject to change.
Samsung’s pivot toward a wider aspect ratio on the book-style foldable seems to be paying dividends, and the company might double down on that momentum next year. Driven by stronger-than-expected demand for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Samsung is reportedly testing two new hardware directions for its successor: a larger-screened “Plus” model and a more accessible, spec-trimmed “FE” variant, either of which will sit alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 9 (Wide).
According to leaker Lanzuk (yeux1122) on Naver, citing unnamed display supply chain sources, Samsung is internally testing two new variations of the Galaxy Z Fold 9: a wide “Plus”-like model with slightly larger dimensions, and a second “FE”-like model with slightly reduced specifications while maintaining the existing size.
Samsung will seemingly proceed with only one variation, though, and an internal decision on this will be made soon. The variation will sit alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 9 (Wide), giving users more options in the passport-style foldable form factor.
Previous leaks have suggested Samsung is being more open to exploring further experimental form factors, with a potential Galaxy Z Slide and Fold 9 Pro in the works. At the same time, expanding the foldable catalog with either a larger screen in the passport-like form factor or a more budget-friendly option would help give Samsung more differentiating points within its own portfolio as well as against the iPhone Duo.
Since these are all very early plans for devices that won’t materialize until at least mid-2027, you should take all of this information with a healthy dose of skepticism. Samsung has not officially confirmed plans for additional wide foldable models, and companies generally do not comment on future, unannounced products, so this is par for the course. Either way, Galaxy Z Fold 8’s success (and that of the iPhone Duo) is good news for foldable fans, and we could soon see more options and diversity.
