* Image simulated for illustrative purposes

As AI evolves from text-based prompts to multimodal understanding, Galaxy devices are becoming smarter — able to get what you’re looking at and respond to situations. The camera is at the heart of this transformation. More than just a tool for capturing images, coupled with enhanced AI-powered features, the Galaxy camera is now part of the intuitive interface that turns what users see into understanding and action.

When paired with the flexible, expansive screen of a foldable, this experience becomes even more powerful, dynamic and immersive. Because innovation means nothing without trust, privacy is built into every layer helping to ensure that data is protected at all times.

Stay tuned. The camera will only get smarter — helping users capture life’s moments more vividly and make everyday experiences more seamless, personal and impactful.

The Ultra experience is ready to unfold.

Introduced in 2019, the first Galaxy Fold was a completely new form factor that combined the portability of a smartphone with the extensive productivity of a tablet — challenging conventional perceptions of what a smartphone could be. Driven by the bold vision that foldable phones could reconcile two seemingly conflicting demands — large screens and true portability — Samsung looked to other industries for inspiration, engineering a durable hinge and proving that smartphone displays, too, could fold. It was a synthesis of creativity and productivity that unlocked new possibilities — from seamless multitasking on the go to immersive content creation.

But smartphones are constant companions that we tuck into our pockets, use with one hand and take everywhere we go. So it’s only natural that users desire a foldable device that is as easy to carry as it is to use. To that end, Samsung engineers and designers are refining each generation of the Galaxy Z series to be thinner, lighter and more durable than the last.

* Image simulated for illustrative purposes

This year, that journey reaches a new milestone. The newest Galaxy Z series is the thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet — meticulously crafted and built to last.

The Ultra experience is ready to unfold.

That’s why Galaxy’s next chapter is to provide an experience that seamlessly blends artistry and engineering to elevate everyday interactions.

Squeeze onto a crowded subway train for your evening commute with the device folded in hand and use voice controls to have AI find you the perfect restaurant and text your dining companion. Finish off that unsent work email during the ride, then use the powerful camera to commemorate your night out. AI-powered tools enable all-day messaging, browsing and gaming on the go, so you can focus on your life — all without weighing you down.

With industry-leading hardware, cutting-edge performance and seamless AI integration optimized for the foldable format, it’s what users have come to expect from Galaxy Ultra.

And when it unfolds, it transforms — into a more immersive entertainment hub, a spacious workspace or a multitasking powerhouse, now enhanced by powerful Galaxy AI features designed specifically for the foldable form.

The Ultra experience is ready to unfold.

The latest Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 not only offer intelligent AI features and personalization options but sleeker, more durable displays that stand the test of time.¹ Impossible to be created overnight, these enhancements are a result of continuous efforts from Samsung developers to provide the best display experience possible.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with Jason Noh, a developer in the Display Group, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, to learn more about the innovative foldable displays in the Galaxy Z series.

The First Foldable Display Marks the Beginning of Innovation

Samsung’s foldable innovation dates back to 2008 when the company first embarked on foldable display research. The journey toward this new technology was not easy for the display team as the screen needed to be folded while maintaining optimal display quality and functionality.

▲ Jason Noh

“We carried out studies on foldable displays and conducted countless experiments way before our first foldable device launched,” explained Noh. “Although we all shared a strong desire to become the pioneer of foldable smartphones, it wasn’t easy. Our team had to create a high-quality display that could be folded but resistant to debris — which meant we had to change the plate supporting the display.”

To achieve this, the developers carried out extensive research to lay the groundwork for Samsung’s first foldable smartphone. This included inventing a metal plate that protected the display from external substances and developing a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) that helped the display panel maintain its folding capabilities in various conditions and environments. With that, Samsung unveiled the first Galaxy Fold in 2019.

Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6: An Accumulation of Mastery in Display Technology

▲ Galaxy Fold

In the six years following the introduction of the initial Galaxy Z Fold, Samsung devoted to providing the best product experience by focusing on three essential factors — a crystal-clear display, durability and productivity. Through a deep understanding of consumer insights accumulated over the years, the Galaxy Z series has constantly evolved to provide new features. This year, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 have once again exceeded consumer expectations through an enhanced screen, improved durability and maximized productivity.

An Immersive Viewing Experience

The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 boast an unmatched viewing experience thanks to their large foldable screens. In particular, the Galaxy Z Flip6’s clear display integrates Samsung’s proprietary Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) material with Infinity Flex Display — a technology first adopted in the Galaxy Z Flip.

▲ Noh explains the Galaxy Z Flip’s foldable display.

“We wanted to bring the same touchscreen experience from bar-type smartphones to foldable devices. This continued commitment to a better user experience led to Samsung’s first foldable glass display,” explained Noh. “With the adoption of UTG, we were able to deliver a clearer display — complete with a premium look and feel that had yet to be seen on a foldable smartphone. UTG has been used ever since.”

The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 displays are each equipped with a new Protect Layer structure to reduce screen crease compared to their predecessors. Increased adhesive strength in the Galaxy Z Fold6 between display and the set creates a shallower crease to form the flattest display of any Galaxy Z Fold series yet.

To deliver a more immersive display experience, the Galaxy Z Fold6 offers a brighter display of up to 2,600nit. The width of the screen has been expanded by 1.0 mm when folded and 2.7 mm increase when unfolded while the length has been reduced by 1.4 mm. This change in screen size offers enhanced screen usability to display more information horizontally for greater convenience.²

Enhanced Durability Meets Foldables

The displays on the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 are the most durable to date in the Galaxy Z series. Shear Thickening Fluid (STF), a new material that adapts to different amounts of pressure and provides resistance to deformations from impacts, was added to the Protect Layer for enhanced display durability.

▲ (From left) Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6

“STF has been introduced to the latest foldable series to meet the high standards expected by Galaxy users. As a result of this effort, the durability of the foldable panel has been enhanced greatly compared to the previous series,” explained Noh. In addition, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 come with the water-resistant features³ first implemented on the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 — the world’s first water-resistant foldable smartphones. Applied to both the outer part of the display and the hinge, a rubber band surrounds the outer part of the display to prevent liquid from entering and damaging the display.

The latest Galaxy Z series foldables are resistant to dust as well. Sweeper technology in each device utilizes delicately cut optical fibers to protect the display from any external dust and debris that could enter through the gaps between the front of the device and the hinge housing. This sturdy protection from external dust and water gives users peace of mind.

Maximized Productivity With S Pen

While the Galaxy Z Fold series offers several multitasking features via its ultra-large screen, the developers contemplated how the big screen could be utilized more efficiently and conveniently. To enhance multitasking and productivity, the S Pen was adopted for the Galaxy Z Fold series. Now, Galaxy AI features on the Galaxy Z Fold6 are elevated to the next level with the S Pen.

When the S Pen was first introduced to the Galaxy Z Fold, the metal plate material had to be changed to carbon fiber so the digitizers that identify the S Pen could function without interruptions. Located on the left and right side of the display, the digitizers also needed to sense the S Pen on the screen’s folding part with no additional components. Developers overcame this challenge by creating a new solution that allowed the digitizers to recognize the S Pen on the folded part of the screen based on sophisticated calculations.

▲ (From left) Carbon fiber plate and metal plate

With the S Pen, users can utilize productivity features including Circle to Search and Note Assist more smoothly on the Galaxy Z Fold6’s massive screen. These advancements are the result of the developers’ efforts to provide a differentiated device experience.

An Endless Journey Toward the Perfect Display

Despite making significant progress in foldable screens, the Display Group refuses to stop. The developers strive to continue improving display quality.

“As a pioneer of the foldable smartphone, our team has accumulated knowledge and experience on what users expect from this form factor,” said Noh. “To meet those expectations, we will not stop our journey toward the perfect display experience. The Galaxy Z series will constantly undergo improvements to prove Samsung’s title as a trailblazer in foldable smartphones.”

¹ Compared to previous series.
² Compared to Galaxy Z Fold5
³ Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Rinse residue/dry if wet. Water resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear.

Unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2024, the Galaxy Z Fold6 has captivated consumers with a sleek design and new features that showcase the endless possibilities of foldable phones. Just as durable as before with a more compact and lightweight case, the latest device in the Z Fold series comes equipped with Galaxy AI — optimized for use on foldables to take user productivity to another level.

What are the secrets behind the Galaxy Z Fold6’s innovations? Samsung Newsroom looked inside to find out.

1. Main Display

The main display boasts a peak brightness of 2,600nits, making the foldable’s screen clear and easy to see even in broad daylight. Vision Booster further enhances the visual experience by optimizing the colors and contrast of images for different lighting environments.

2. Wing Plate

The wing plate helps the Galaxy Z Fold6 fold and unfold smoothly. Moving between the display and hinge, the wing plate aligns the interior and protects the display from any mechanical damage. Despite being extremely thin, the wing plate is made of a special material that exerts strong force.

3. Hinge

The hinge acts as the central axis for folding and unfolding the phone. Because slimmer devices require narrower hinge spaces, advanced hinge technology is essential to making foldables as thin as possible without sacrificing hinge performance and stability. The Galaxy Z Fold6’s hinge is smaller and slimmer than before but equally as durable due to new and reinforced materials. Thanks to the new hinge, Samsung was able to create an ultra-portable phone that is easy to carry anywhere, anytime.

4. Front Case

The case is thinner and lighter than that of its predecessor but just as resilient. Made of Enhanced Armor Aluminum, the case safely wraps and protects the foldable’s internal components like armor — like the name suggests. The case’s IP48-rated water resistance means the Galaxy Z Fold6 can be used safely on rainy days outdoors as well.

5. Vapor Chamber

Vapor chambers diffuse heat to prevent smartphones from overheating. The larger the vapor chamber, the more effectively it can dissipate heat and allow devices to maintain stable performance. Samsung included in the Galaxy Z Fold6 a vapor chamber that is approximately 1.6 times the size of the Galaxy Z Fold5’s.

6.Main Battery

Samsung inserted a thinner main battery into the device to perfect its slimmer design. Unlike that of a bar-type smartphone, the main battery of the Galaxy Z Fold6 is divided into two parts.

7. Sub Battery

The sub battery is located on the opposite side of the main battery and was also slimmed down to fit the Galaxy Z Fold’s sleek design.

8. Main PBA

The brain of a smartphone, the printed board assembly (PBA) houses core parts such as the application processor and memory. To achieve the Galaxy Z Fold’s thinner design, Samsung shifted from using a stacked, multilayer main PBA to a single-layer one.

9. Sub PBA

The sub PBA contains the chips responsible for operating the device’s display and speakers. A slim printed circuit board (PCB) was used for the sub PBA.

10. Back Cover

The back cover is the final stage of the Galaxy Z Fold6 manufacturing process. It not only protects the internal components but also showcases the foldable’s sleek design. Corning’s Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 — known for its excellent durability — is incorporated into the back cover, reassuring users that their phones are well-protected.

11. Sub Display

Compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold6 boasts a well-balanced, horizontally wider screen ratio that greatly enhances the foldable’s usability. Users can fold their device and still enjoy a comfortable viewing experience with the sub display alone. Like the main display, the sub display can also get as bright as up to 2,600 nits, giving users a clear view of their screens even in broad daylight.

This versatility stems from unsurpassed technology and a design that carefully considers users’ lifestyles and needs. Samsung Newsroom took the Galaxy Z Flip6 apart for a better look at each of its components.

1. Main Display

When users unfold the device, they see a Dynamic AMOLED screen with unrivaled picture quality. Photos, videos, games and other content come to life in vivid detail. The main display must be able to resist external shocks and restore its original form when the device is unfolded. Those functions have been enhanced on the Galaxy Z Flip6 with new materials and design techniques that guarantee both durability and flexibility.

Notably, the crease along the folded area is much less pronounced in the Galaxy Z Flip6 compared to earlier models. Besides being stacked with protective film and a more flexible protective layer, the Galaxy Z Flip6’s main display also boasts a more resilient Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) — having increased in thickness by 60%. In addition, high-efficiency organic materials and a new coating technique on the panel with lower reflectivity maximize usage time and make the screen easier to see when outside with a peak brightness that has been boosted from 1,750 to 2,600nits.

2. Hinge

Samsung’s top-notch proprietary hinge technology is what gives the Galaxy Z Flip6 its slim design and a smooth folding experience. When the device is folded, four drive shafts fold the display into the shape of a water droplet and keep the two screens together for a seamless fit. The integrated hinge module features a symmetrical dual-rail structure that evenly distributes external shocks. The device can be used while fully folded and unfolded, or unfolded at various angles between 75 and 115 degrees. FlexMode allows users to prop up the phone at any angle to watch videos or take photos with no need for a phone stand or tripod.

3. Hinge Cover and Case

The Galaxy Z Flip’s hinge cover and case are made of Enhanced Armor Aluminum, making them more resistant to scratches and damage. The luxurious colors that elevate the foldable’s aesthetics come from an optimized anodizing coating process, and the use of recycled materials in the device captures the company’s concern for the environment.

4. Vapor Chamber

The Galaxy Z Flip6 is the first in the Z Flip series to feature a vapor chamber. Vapor chambers diffuse heat to prevent smartphones from overheating. The larger the vapor chamber, the more effectively it can dissipate heat and allow devices to maintain stable performance. Samsung managed to include a large vapor chamber in the foldable.

5. Main Battery

The Galaxy Z Flip6 has a battery capacity of 4,000mAh. Samsung used a molding technique on the main battery protection circuits to minimize the size of the protection board, making it possible to increase battery capacity by maximizing the space inside the device.

6. Sub Battery

More energy-dense than before, the sub battery improves the Galaxy Z Flip6’s battery performance even further.

7. Main PBA

The brain of a smartphone, the printed board assembly (PBA) houses core parts such as the memory and processor. The Galaxy Z Flip6 is the Galaxy Z Flip series’ most compact model by applying a stacked main PBA with highly integrated parts.

8. Sub PBA

The sub PBA, located on the charging terminal and speaker side, supports various radio frequency bands and the internationally standardized USB Type-C connector. It is also equipped with a low-noise Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) microphone that facilitates accurate speech recognition.

9. Back Cover

The back cover forms the front and back sides of the Galaxy Z Flip6 when it is folded. Incorporated into it is Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus 2® from Corning — a world leader in glass science and long-standing partner of Samsung.

To help you catch up with these and other exciting updates from San Jose, here’s a handy list of the top themes on display at SDC19.

Held at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in sunny California, this year’s Samsung Developer Conference is a showcase of the hottest topics in tech.

Expanding the Bixby and SmartThings Ecosystems

This year at SDC, Samsung is showcasing strides it’s made to integrate Bixby into a wide range of devices. The company is also introducing enhancements that will make it easier for developers to enrich Bixby and the SmartThings IoT platform with useful services, and in doing so, create more ways for users to infuse intelligence into everything they do.

Outlining Samsung’s efforts to offer developers more ways to work with Bixby, Eui-Suk Chung, EVP, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics, discusses the AI platform’s expansion. “In 2019, we made it even easier to use Bixby,” Chung explains. “We added new capabilities not only on our flagship devices, but also on most of our A-series devices, on more Galaxy tablets and watches, TVs and home appliances. Just to give you countless new ways to integrate intelligence into everything you do.”

Samsung demonstrates how enhancements to the Bixby Developer Studio, including new Bixby Templates and Bixby Views, will streamline the development of capsules that work across Bixby’s ever-growing ecosystem of devices.

In addition to unveiling a new Rules API that will spur the creation of more automated smart home experiences, Samsung introduced a SmartThings Device SDK beta program – set to launch early next year – that will help third-party manufacturers build SmartThings-supported devices.

New Devices and Experiences

Those visiting SDC19 are treated to first looks at some of the latest and greatest products of Samsung’s innovation. Spanning categories like mobile devices, UX design and more, the devices and experiences showcased at the conference hold the power to transform the way people live, work and connect.

The launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Fold established a brand-new product category – one that opens the door to a new era of mobile experiences. To help realize its vision of a foldable future, Samsung is demonstrating its commitment to developing a variety of foldable form factors at SDC19. Enriching the category with more options will help Samsung and developers explore new use cases and user experiences.

Also on display at SDC is the new, Bixby-enabled Galaxy Home Mini, which fosters continuous IoT experiences when managing connected devices, and offers powerful pound-for-pound audio quality.

Seeing is believing: An SDC attendee examines how Samsung’s AI ScaleNet technology makes it possible to stream high-quality 8K videos on networks with lower bandwidth capabilities.

Peeks at Cutting-edge Blockchain and Enterprise Solutions

SDC19 offers partners and developers a chance to learn more about one of the hottest trends in technology today: blockchain. Speakers and sessions discuss how enterprises and developers can utilize Samsung’s latest blockchain-powered services to capitalize on the technology’s incredible potential.

The conference also offers attendees an opportunity to see how Samsung is leveraging its years of experience leading innovation in a variety of industries – ranging from retail and manufacturing to transportation and healthcare – to provide enterprises with customized services tailored to their needs.

Seungyun Lee, Principal Engineer, Knox Platform for Enterprise, Samsung Electronics, discusses Samsung’s commitment to advancing blockchain technology – a commitment that’s seen the company produce one of the first smartphones with blockchain technology built-in, and streamline data and cryptocurrency management with the launches of the Samsung Blockchain Keystore and the new Samsung Blockchain Platform SDK. “Together,” Lee explains, “all of these innovations mark a new beginning for the blockchain ecosystem – with Samsung at the forefront.”

SDC attendees eagerly explore the various blockchain innovations being displayed at SDC19. Included among these is the new Samsung Blockchain Platform SDK, which opens up exciting opportunities for developers by 1) offering them more options for securely storing private keys, 2) supporting cryptocurrency transactions, and 3) enabling apps to be smoothly integrated into a mobile space.

Samsung’s SDC19 booth also includes exhibits that illustrate why enterprises in a variety of fields – including industries known to employ the strictest security standards – trust Samsung to help them customize solutions.

But Wait, There’s More!

At the end of the day, SDC is about inspiring people to pursue meaningful innovation. Which is why those visiting the conference are also exposed to projects and initiatives that are making a tangible difference in the world, like the Samsung Global Goals app.

Created to support the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the educational and donation-based mobile app offers a simple way for the Galaxy community to support the causes they care about. To help maximize the app’s impact, Samsung has announced that it will match proceeds generated through the app and donate the same amount.¹

That’s all for now, but there’s plenty more to come as SDC19 enters its second day. For more information on the topics and innovations being discussed at the event, be sure to check out Samsung Newsroom’s ongoing coverage. And don’t forget to check back here for more updates on Samsung’s latest AI, IoT and developer innovations.

¹Samsung has pledged to match donations with ad proceeds generated through the Global Goals app; up to $5 million annually.

Samsung Electronics has announced the launch of its category-defining new flagship smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, set for release in Korea on September 6 and in select countries shortly after. At IFA 2019, which opens its doors on September 6, visitors will be able to have the unique opportunity to experience the Galaxy Fold for the very first time.

For those not able to stop by the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds this year, the video above provides a look at what a hands-on experience of the Galaxy Fold looks like for users.

The Galaxy Fold’s unique design and foldable form factor, providing you with two options for screen size in one device, provides a brand-new user experience. When closed, you can comfortably access all your essential apps with just one hand. But when opened, the 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display offers a truly immersive viewing experience, allowing you to get lost in videos on a screen that’s so big, you won’t believe you can fit it in a pocket. From the camera to the gallery to the latest gaming apps, users can enjoy next-level experiences with their favorite content on the spacious screen of the main display just by opening up the device.

In order to facilitate maximum productivity and ease of use when switching between the Galaxy Fold’s two displays, Samsung developed two features especially: App Continuity and Multi-Active Window. With App Continuity, you can switch between using an app on the cover display and using it on the main display seamlessly. For example, you can check an email when the device is folded, and then, when you open the device to reply, a version of the email app that is optimized for the expansive screen will open, allowing you to comfortably view the full contents of the email. Following the uninterrupted screen transition, you can then reply to the email using keyboard, which is optimized for placement near each of your hands.

Multi-Active Window allows you to take advantage of the increased screen real state of the main display, as you can open multiple apps simultaneously and easily use them at the same time thanks to an optimized UX for next-level multitasking. Whilst reading an email, you can easily drag and drop your Calendar as well as Google Maps from the device’s side panel into the Multi-active Window to work in three windows simultaneously and coordinate a meeting quickly and efficiently. You can also easily adjust the dimensions of each app window so as to see more, or less, as you require.