Samsung Electronics announced major software updates¹ for select refrigerators and laundry appliances. Beginning in September, the update to Tizen OS 10.0 will bring key services and features to select existing appliances in line with those offered on models launched this year.

“Home appliances are products that consumers rely on for many years. We believe supporting them over time requires not only reliable hardware, but also software that continues to evolve,” said Jeong Seung Moon, Executive Vice President and Head of the R&D Team of the Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Through this latest regular software update, we aim to help our appliances remain useful and up to date throughout the ownership journey, enhancing the long-term value consumers receive from products they already own.”

Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub’s Newest AI Features Expand Globally

Building on the software update first introduced to select Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hubs in the U.S. in May, Samsung is expanding its newest AI-powered refrigerator experiences to additional global markets.

Refrigerators with built-in cameras and AI Vision, including 21.5-inch and 32-inch Family Hub released between 2021 and 2025 — as well as select 9-inch Family Hub models released in 2025 — will receive the updated AI Vision built with Google Gemini.² The update expands the refrigerator’s ability to recognise and manage food items, helping users keep track of what is stored inside and make everyday food management easier.

With this update, the refrigerator can recognise a much wider range of fresh and packaged foods, including branded and region-specific items.

In addition, screen-based experiences like Now Brief³ and What’s for Today? provide users with personalised information and help simplify meal decisions on a daily basis.

Seamless Interaction With Bespoke AI Laundry Appliances

Samsung is also extending its latest software experiences to select laundry appliances released in 2024 and 2025, including Bespoke AI Laundry Combo, Washer, and Dryer models.

A key part of the update is Bixby,⁴ which enhances voice recognition and enables more natural interactions with laundry appliances. This allows users to communicate with their appliances more intuitively while carrying out everyday laundry tasks. For example, users can simply say, “When will my laundry be finished?” and Bixby will understand and reply with a phrase such as, “Your laundry is set to finish in two hours and 25 minutes.”⁵

The update will introduce a refreshed interface aligned with Samsung’s latest laundry experience, offering more intuitive controls and information delivery on applicable models equipped with 7-inch Smart Screens. This will be achieved by adding Easy Mode⁶, which streamlines the screen layout and simplifies key information in an easy-to-access format.

Availability

The updates will begin rolling out in phases from September 2026. Actual timing, supported features, and availability may vary by product, model year, and market.⁷

For more information, please visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/.

1. The user will be alerted of updates through the appliance screen when available. ︎
2. Google Gemini is provided by Google LLC. Service availability, supported functions and accuracy may vary by country, language, device model and OS/One UI version. Users must be 18 or older. Some functions may require additional app settings. Features or results may vary by subscription. ︎
3. A Wi-Fi connection and Samsung, Google or Microsoft account may be required. User must use the same log-in account on each device. Availability of certain apps may vary by country, region, service provider, network environment or device and may change without notice. ︎
4. Bixby is Samsung’s brand of Internet of Things (IoT) voice assistant. Bixby service availability may vary depending on the country. Bixby only recognises certain accents and dialects of English (India), English (UK), English (US), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Korean (South Korea), Mandarin Chinese (China), Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), and Spanish (Latin America). ︎
5. Bixby responses provided in the text are examples. Actual responses may vary. ︎
6. Easy Mode can be selected through the device’s Smart Screen under Settings > Display > Control Theme menu. ︎
7. Timelines, features, and availability are subject to change without notice. ︎

New Features Help Users Capture, Personalize, and Manage

One UI 9 introduces new ways to keep people in focus, tailor the information users see each day, and manage device care more easily.

• My FanCam² automatically tracks a selected person in a recorded video and keeps them centered, intelligently reframing the footage as the scene moves. This allows users to turn dynamic moments into social-ready content with less manual editing. Whether it’s a child’s performance, a friend on the dance floor, or an exciting moment during a sporting event, users can instantly put the focus on the person they want to see.

• The new Generative and Editable Cards on Now Brief³ help users choose what appears in their daily summaries. Users can create cards across health, weather, and video so their daily brief reflects the information most relevant to them.
• Warranty and Care⁴ brings device support and protection directly into the Settings menu. Users can now check warranty coverage across connected mobile devices, run self-diagnostics, view repair estimates, and manage Samsung Care+ or book a service appointment with just a few taps.

Enhanced Capabilities Help Users Do More With Less Effort

One UI 9 builds on familiar Galaxy experiences to help users complete everyday tasks in fewer steps, with context-aware suggestions, timely creative prompts, and improvements to translation, scanning, and recording.

• Now Nudge⁵ can surface timely, context-aware suggestions across more moments in the Galaxy experience, helping users take the next step without breaking their flow. For example, when making plans over text, users can pull up reservation details or save a shared location without leaving the conversation.
• Creative Studio now suggests image-generation ideas based on relevant upcoming events. For example, when a friend’s birthday is approaching, users may see a prompt to create a themed image or greeting, allowing them to quickly create something meaningful for the occasion.
• Interpreter⁶ introduces a new Thread View that enables users to better follow translated conversations by quickly referencing earlier exchanges. In addition, faster translation in Conversation Mode and quicker playback with compatible Galaxy Buds help reduce delays, making conversations feel more natural and continuous.
• Document Scan now allows users to digitize challenging materials such as curved book pages and corner-folded papers with less manual adjustment. The large-screen-optimized views on compatible Galaxy devices, along with an improved Finger Eraser, help create cleaner and more usable scans.
• Voice Recorder presents summaries in a clearer, more structured format, using elements such as headings and tables to make key information easier to scan at a glance.

Enhanced Security and Privacy Help Users Stay Informed and in Control

One UI 9 continues Samsung’s approach to security and privacy with transparency, choice, and control built into the experience. The latest updates help users better understand when something may need their attention and make it easier to take action.

• Security Brief brings key security and privacy updates like alerts for malware, apps from unknown sources, and unnecessary permissions to Now Brief, helping users identify potential issues earlier and determine when action is necessary.
• Privacy Alerts⁷ use on-device AI to identify potential privacy risks, including unnecessary attempts to access permissions in the background, giving users greater awareness of how their information is being accessed.
• Scam Detection⁸ expands to additional countries⁹ and languages, bringing protection against potential scam calls to more Galaxy users across supported markets.

1. As of the publication of this press release, the official One UI 9 has been rolled out to Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8. The update is expected to gradually roll out to other Galaxy devices. ︎
2. My FanCam feature requires a Samsung Account login. Availability may vary by video. Not supported if there is no subject to track. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. ︎
3. Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region, language, device model, and app. Some features may require a network connection. Customized briefing content provided is based only on the personal information to which the user has consented. Accuracy of generated results is not guaranteed. ︎
4. Available features in Warranty and care menu may differ by country/region. Warranty information is available for devices linked to the user’s Samsung Account. Ask Bixby features and supported content may vary by country or language. Estimated repair cost availability may vary by device model/region. Samsung Care+ availability, coverage, pricing, and eligibility requirements may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply. ︎
5. Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region, and language. Text message prompts are available with certain third-party messaging apps, including Samsung Messages, Google Messages, and Google Chat. Split view supported apps may vary. Photo sharing in Now Nudge works by analyzing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. ︎
6. Interpreter requires Samsung Account login. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Availability and supported features may vary by country, region, or carrier. Availability of supported languages may vary. ︎
7. Privacy Alerts is supported on Galaxy S26, S26 Ultra, S25, S25 FE, S24, S24 FE, S23, S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, Flip8, Fold7, Flip7, Fol6, Flip6, Fold5, Flip5, Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, Tab S11, Tab S10 Ultra, Tab S10 Plus, Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S9 Plus, and Tab S9. Privacy alerts, may not account for all relevant factors. ︎
8. Availability may vary by country, region, language, device model, or OS/One UI version. ︎
9. Scam Detection will be available in Japan, Canada, and India. ︎

While the two features offer different camera experiences, both draw on expertise spanning foundational technology research, feature development, and user experience design.

As part of “The People Behind the Galaxy Z Series’ Camera Innovations,” Samsung Newsroom sat down with experts from Samsung Research and the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business to discuss the technical challenges and collaboration behind the two features.

A sharply defined subject against a softly blurred background creates a sense of depth long associated with professional camera lenses. Researchers have continued to explore ways to achieve this effect in smartphone video.

With the Galaxy Z series, Portrait Video recreates the distinctive depth and Bokeh¹ of a large-aperture lens². To make this possible, Samsung Research analyzed the optical characteristics of actual camera lenses and developed AI-powered video processing technology, while the MX Business optimized it for the device.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with YoungGeol Kim of the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research and Sang-uk Park, responsible for camera development at the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, about how Portrait Video evolved from a research concept into a Galaxy camera feature.

A New Level of Depth in Portrait Video

Q. What is Portrait Video? What has changed with the latest Galaxy Z series?

Park: Portrait Video keeps the main subject in focus while softly blurring the background, creating a cinematic look that makes the subject stand out.

On the Galaxy Z series, the degree of blur changes naturally based on the distance between the subject and background. Small background lights appear as soft, rounded Bokeh, much as they would through a large-aperture lens. This allows users to draw attention to the subject and capture videos with greater depth and atmosphere using just a smartphone, without the need for separate professional equipment.

Users can also shift the focus to a different subject or adjust the blur level after filming.

Q. What inspired the technology behind Portrait Video?

Kim: Photography has been my hobby for 25 years. That passion led me to camera technology research and development and sparked a lasting interest in the unique visual character of lenses.

As smartphone cameras advanced rapidly, photography benefited from a range of new features and improvements in image quality. Video evolved quickly as well, but I saw further potential in recreating the depth and background rendering of professional camera lenses. We proposed the idea during the research stage, just as the MX Business was exploring ways to help users create professional-looking videos more easily — paving the way for joint development.

Q. How did the teams collaborate to turn Portrait Video into a camera feature?

Kim: Existing solutions alone weren’t enough to achieve the natural lens rendering we wanted. At the time, Samsung Research’s technology was still in the research stage, so applying it to a product was not an easy decision. Even so, the MX Business recognized its potential and decided to commercialize it.

From there, full-scale testing and refinement began. We evaluated the technology on actual devices and exchanged feedback, turning it into a camera feature for users.

Park: To prepare the feature for real-world use, we had to shoot countless videos under a wide range of conditions and validate the results. Since the feature is centered on people, experts from both teams even served as models and filmed one another. We focused particularly on how naturally subjects were separated from their backgrounds and whether the blur and Bokeh looked right at different distances.

As we filmed each other, reviewed the results together and continued our discussions, what I remember most is how noticeably the results improved.

Large-Aperture Lens Rendering on Smartphones

Q. What is the key technology that takes Portrait Video to the next level?

Kim: The key is technology that recreates the distinctive look of large-aperture professional camera lenses in smartphone video. We used AI and optical analysis to make this possible.

Simply blurring an image is not enough to reproduce the depth and natural background rendering of a professional camera. Conventional blur softens an image by blending surrounding colors, but a large-aperture lens works differently. The degree of blur changes naturally based on the distance between the subject and background, while bright points of light spread into Bokeh that retain their shape and brightness. The shapes and textures of these out-of-focus areas are known as bokeh.

This requires accounting for both subject-to-background distance and how light spreads through an actual camera lens.

Recreating this effect on a smartphone required two elements. First, we analyzed how light spreads through a real large-aperture lens and the resulting bokeh characteristics, then converted the results into data. We combined this with AI-estimated distance information for the scene, allowing the system to adjust the degree of blur and bokeh size based on the distance between the subject and background.

Q. What technical challenges did the teams face when creating blur and bokeh on smartphones?

Kim: The biggest challenge was naturally rendering complex boundaries between the subject and background, such as hair or eyeglass frames. On smartphones, AI-estimated distance information alone isn’t sufficient to accurately distinguish fine boundaries. Even a small error can blur strands of hair or leave parts of the background sharp, making the subject look unnaturally cut out.

To address this, we combined AI-estimated distance information with boundary information from the original footage, allowing for natural separation between the subject and background even around fine details such as hair.

Park: Maintaining consistent results across different shooting conditions — including weather, lighting, subject movement, and distance — was crucial. We repeatedly filmed under a wide range of conditions and reviewed the results, improving unnatural elements through software optimization and additional AI training data. Building on Samsung Research’s technology, image quality experts from the MX Business also evaluated the results from a user perspective, further refining the feature.

Q. What did it take to make this complex video processing reliable and ready for use on the Galaxy Z series?

Kim: The biggest hurdle was reducing power consumption and heat generation without compromising quality. Video is a rapid sequence of images, so processing 4K video in real time requires significant computation.

That meant we had to prioritize. We preserved the processing essential to image quality while reducing computation in areas where users were unlikely to notice a difference.

As a result, we struck a balance between natural lens rendering and real-time processing, ensuring stable, efficient performance even during extended recording.

More Freedom in Video Creation

Q. What are some tips to help users get the most out of Portrait Video?

Kim: To make bokeh stand out, look for scenes with bright light sources against a relatively dark background. Sunlight sparkling through leaves, Christmas lights, or streetlights at night can spread softly into circular Bokeh, creating a more atmospheric look.

When filming a person, it’s best to avoid strong light from the front. Instead, position the light source behind or to the side of the subject. This can softly illuminate the subject’s hair and contours while making the background Bokeh more prominent. Reflected light or ambient sources like streetlights can help keep the face from getting too dark for a more balanced result.

Q. What reaction would you most like to hear from people who have tried Portrait Video?

Park: I’d like users, creators, and video professionals to be surprised by how easy it is to create cinematic video on a smartphone. I hope the natural blur, Bokeh, and post-capture editing features give them greater freedom to achieve the look and feel they want.

Kim: Ultimately, I hope people feel they no longer need to carry a separate professional camera. We will continue advancing the underlying technologies so they can create cinematic videos with just a smartphone.

Bringing the cinematic shallow depth of field and light rendering of professional camera lenses to smartphone video required extensive testing and collaboration to turn a research concept into a reliable product feature. Developed through the combined expertise of Samsung Research and the MX Business, Portrait Video expands the Galaxy video experience — giving users more ways to realize their creative vision.

1. The shape and texture of blur in out-of-focus areas, often seen when small points of light appear as circular highlights ︎
2. A lens with an aperture that can open wide to let in more light, making it well suited for keeping the subject sharp while softly blurring the background and rendering bokeh highlights. ︎

When shopping for a new phone, you’ve probably read reviews and watched comparison videos in search of the “best” device.

While rankings can be helpful, they can’t answer the most important question: which phone is best for me? That answer depends on personal considerations like how you prefer to work, create and stay connected throughout your day.

Why Does Samsung Offer Multiple Foldable Form Factors?

The best foldable isn’t the same for everyone. That’s exactly why Samsung offers three distinct foldable designs with the new Galaxy Z series.

Whether you want to consolidate with a single mobile device that can power through your to-do list, a screen built for streaming and reading, or looking for something more compact and convenient, Galaxy Z series has options.

Through eight generations of refinement, Samsung understands what users want most from foldables. The new Galaxy Z series is the result of all that experience. Every device delivers in the areas users care about most: displays, durability, portability and performance.

Which Galaxy Z Foldable Is Right for You?

The latest Galaxy Z series offers a range of innovative foldable form factors: the compact Galaxy Z Flip8, the brand-new Galaxy Z Fold8, and the powerful Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.

Deciding which is right for you ultimately depends on what you want from your smartphone experience, and how your phone fits into your life.

Choose Galaxy Z Flip8 if you want:

• Maximum portability from Samsung’s slimmest and lightest Z series device
• An experience built around self-expression and capturing great selfies
• Everyday convenience for quick tasks without opening your phone

Choose Galaxy Z Fold8 if you’re looking for:

• A new foldable shape designed for modern content formats
• An immersive viewing experience for watching, reading and gaming
• Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet

Choose Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra if you prioritize:

• Samsung’s top-of-the-line experience reserved for Ultra devices
• Multitasking on an expansive 8-inch folding main screen¹
• Productivity and flagship performance
• The versatile and capable camera system in the Galaxy Z series

Across the lineup, the durability of the Galaxy Z series is complemented by Galaxy’s latest mobile AI² experiences and software optimized for each form factor, giving you a bespoke experience built around each unique design.

The best phone is the one that fits your life, and Samsung Galaxy’s portfolio is designed to help you find it. From Galaxy Z TriFold³ introduced earlier this year to the latest Galaxy Z series, Samsung is committed to evolving its foldable portfolio to meet a wide range of needs and lifestyles.

1. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s Cover Screen size is 6.5” in the full rectangle and 6.5” accounting for the rounded corners. The Main Screen size is 8.0” in the full rectangle and 8.0” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole. ︎
2. Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Any Samsung enhanced AI features and all third-party AI features are subject to different terms and may be subject to fees. ︎
3. Not available in Malaysia. ︎

As foldable smartphones move from niche innovation to an increasingly established category, there is an interesting story to be told about what it actually takes to build a phone that folds — and what years of developing the technology have taught Samsung about the future of mobile.

Samsung has been at the center of that evolution, from the first Galaxy Fold in 2019 to the increasingly refined Galaxy Z family today. Along the way, it has learned that successful foldables are not created by solving one engineering challenge. They require continuous learning across hardware, software, AI and, perhaps most importantly, human behavior.

Here are eight areas where Samsung has pushed foldables forward.

1. Making foldables more durable

The visible innovation may be a screen that folds, but making that possible requires solving challenges around durability, materials, display support and hinge engineering – challenges that simply don’t exist on conventional smartphones

Samsung’s new Flex Titanium technology in the Galaxy Z series uses a titanium-based display structure to strengthen the display support, improve durability and reduce crease visibility, while helping enable a thinner device¹.

2. Making the fold feel seamless and effortless

Years of development have shown that the hinge isn’t just a mechanical component – it affects how naturally a device opens, how thin it can be and how comfortable it feels in everyday use.

The latest Galaxy Z series combines refinements to the hinge mechanism, display tension and folding magnets to make unfolding smoother and more natural. On the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, this contributes to a device measuring just 4.1mm when unfolded.

3. Turning bigger screens into new possibilities

Samsung has learned that additional screen real estate needs to enable genuinely different experiences, not simply provide more pixels.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces a new 4:3 main display, which is optimized for immersive viewing and gaming, while rotating the device creates a 3:4 ratio suited to reading and browsing. The larger canvas also supports content creation and editing through experiences such as My FanCam².

4. Expanding what a foldable can look like

Consumer behavior has demonstrated that different people want different things from a foldable. Some want a larger workspace; others value compactness, self-expression or quick access.

Samsung now offers three distinct foldable experiences: Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra for productivity, Galaxy Z Fold8 for immersive discovery and Galaxy Z Flip8 for expression and quick interaction. These distinctions show how the form factor can be designed around different lifestyles rather than forcing consumers into just one definition of a foldable.

5. Making hardware and software work as one

A phone that physically changes shape also needs software that can change with it. The experience has to flow naturally between screens, orientations and modes.

Samsung has increasingly designed the software experience around the physical flexibility of the devices, from Multi Window, AI-powered multitasking with Now Nudge³ and Gemini Notebook⁴ on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, to a more capable FlexWindow on the Galaxy Z Flip8, where users can access apps, information and actions without unfolding.

6. Bringing AI into the foldable experience

The next stage of smartphone AI isn’t simply about generating an answer. It is about understanding what the user is doing and helping them move from information to action.

Agentic AI is integrated into the Galaxy Z8 experience, helping users move more naturally between information, apps and actions. On Samsung’s new foldable series, the expanded screens also create a natural canvas for AI-powered productivity, including Gemini Notebook, which can bring together information from different sources and help users organize and work with their thoughts and content in one place. And ultimately, get more done.

7. Removing the barriers to better experiences

Years of real-world use have shown that users prefer the least amount of hassle when it comes to using their devices. Adapting to a new device starts even before the first use, so switching devices itself needs to feel effortless.

The latest generation of the Galaxy Z series brings greater flexibility not just to how consumers use their devices, but how they move into the Galaxy ecosystem. With Smart Switch⁵, users can wirelessly transfer important data such as contacts, photos, messages, apps and settings from their previous devices, including from iOS. With One UI 9 on the latest Galaxy Z series, iOS device users can initiate the transfer simply by scanning a QR code, remove another barrier to switching.

8. Turning a new form factor into a complete ecosystem

Perhaps the central takeaway: every generation creates new questions around engineering, usability and consumer behavior. The experience of answering those questions, generation after generation, becomes an advantage in itself.

The new Flex Titanium display structure, thinner form factors, redesigned display ratios, more capable FlexWindow experiences and deeper agentic AI integration – all of these features, and more, show how the eighth-generation Galaxy Z Series represents the cumulative result of years of iteration and consumer insight.

1. Compared to previous Galaxy Z series models. ︎
2. My FanCam requires a Samsung account login. Video must be 720 x 720 pixels or higher. Results may vary. ︎
3. Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region and language. Text message prompts available with Samsung Messages and certain third-party messaging apps including Google Messages, Google Chat. Split view supported apps may vary. Share photos in Now Nudge works by analysing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. ︎
4. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Terms apply. By subscribing, you agree to terms for Google One, YouTube and offers. Offer ends Aug 1, 2027 at 11:59pm PT. Unless canceled earlier, Google One will charge RM97.99/mo after the trial ends. Cancel anytime. Return of purchased device may result in cancellation of subscription. See full terms at https://one.google.com/offer/terms-and-conditions/SamsungAIPro. ︎
5. Transferable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version and connection method. Data transfer from an iOS device to a Galaxy device using the upgraded method is available on devices running Android 17 or later and iOS 26.6 or later in regions outside mainland China ︎

Do you remember the first time you ever saw a foldable mobile phone?

Modern foldables of today have evolved far beyond just a screen that folds. Samsung’s line-up now combines intelligent features with large displays for productivity, entertainment, and communication.

Since the introduction of the first Galaxy Fold in 2019, Samsung has been leveraging a deep understanding of consumer needs and strengthening expertise in this category. Valuable insights and experiences gained from seven generations of foldable innovation has resulted in the most complete line-up yet – the all-new Galaxy Z8 series.

This exciting line-up is resonating with consumers globally, including those in Southeast Asia and Oceania. In this region, sales of the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra have grown 40% compared to the Galaxy Z Fold7. The new series is also compelling more people in the region to embrace Samsung foldables, with switchers to the Galaxy Z Fold8 series from other brands increasing by more than 60% compared to those who made a switch to the previous Z Fold generation.

From the latest innovations unveiled in 2026, let’s trace Samsung’s evolution of foldable technology through the years – from its newest breakthroughs, all the way back to the debut of its very first foldable phone. Here’s how the journey unfolded.

2026: Three distinct foldables built for immersion, productivity and self-expression

The latest foldable line-up presents a broad portfolio designed to meet distinct user needs. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 bring together advancements across form factor, display engineering, camera features, and Galaxy AI, empowering users with more choice than ever to pick a foldable that best suits their needs.  

Galaxy Z Fold8	A new form factor offers display ratios optimized for content consumption: A 10:161 cover screen for quick everyday interactions and a 4:3 main display for games, films, and also reading.At 201g, it is Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold2, and is powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy3. Flex Titanium is introduced across the Galaxy Z series – a display structure combining a titanium alloy film with an enhanced titanium plate to make the foldable thinner, strengthen display support, and reduce crease visibility over time.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra	First Ultra foldable brings Galaxy’s Ultra standard for performance, capability and innovation to an expansive 8-inch main display4 designed for multitasking and content creation.Ultra-level camera system: 200MP Main Camera with HDR capability in 200MP mode, new 50MP ultra-wide Camera, improved Nightography, and 8K video recording with the new APV codec and Cine LUT.
Galaxy Z Flip8	Reimagined FlexWindow brings apps, insights and actions to the cover screen – Now Brief on the FlexWindow surfaces timely insights and next steps.Flip camera experience is enhanced with a 50MP camera and ProVisual Engine, alongside Flex Mode, Camcorder Grip with Zoom Rocker, Super Steady with Horizontal Lock, FlipShot and Mirror view.Weighing 180g and measuring 6.1mm thick, it is Samsung’s slimmest and lightest Flip5.

2024 to 2025: Bigger possibilities for everyone with mobile AI

In 2024, the Galaxy Z series was first equipped with Galaxy AI, offering users AI-powered experiences tailored to each form factor. 

2025: A Thinner Fold and an Edge-to-Edge FlexWindow

The Galaxy Z Fold7 introduced the first flagship-level 200MP wide-angle camera in the Galaxy Z series, pairing upgraded imaging capabilities with a large screen for editing and content creation. At just 8.9mm thick when folded and weighing only 215 grams, the Galaxy Z Fold7 was lighter than even the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Galaxy Z Flip7 featured a new 4.1-inch edge-to-edge FlexWindow6, enabling users to access AI-powered experiences and features like Now Brief without opening the device.

2024: Galaxy AI Comes to Foldables

The arrival of Galaxy AI was a pivotal moment, with AI experiences adapted to the distinct foldable form factors.On Galaxy Z Fold6, large-screen multitasking was supported by AI-powered features like Note Assist, Composer and Sketch to Image. Galaxy AI unlocked new possibilities for content creation with the Galaxy Z Flip6. With Auto Zoom, FlexCam could automatically detect the subject and adjust framing, making it easier to capture hands-free photos and videos.

2021-2023: Bringing foldables into everyone’s everyday life

As the category developed, Samsung continued to refine foldables to improve durability and increase versatility, enabling the form factor to better fit into everyday life.

2023: Flex Hinge and Flex Window Refine the Foldable Form	Galaxy Z Fold5 introduced the new Flex Hinge, designed to diffuse external impact and support a more balanced foldable design. The Galaxy Z Flip5 was equipped with a 3.4-inch FlexWindow, expanding access to Widgets, messages, and camera functions directly from the cover screen.
2022: Foldable Experiences Support Hands-Free Content and PC-Like Multitasking	Galaxy Z Fold4 was the first foldable to ship with Android 12L, a version of Android created specifically for large-screen experiences. A new Taskbar supported a PC-like layout, and new swipe gestures made it easier to move between apps and multitask on the Main Screen.Galaxy Z Flip4 expanded creative possibilities with FlexCam, enabling hands-free photos and videos from multiple angles, while enhanced Quick Shot right from the cover screen made selfies more convenient.
2021: Enhanced durability with IPX8 Water Resistance	As foldables became a bigger part of everyday life, improving durability was a top priority.  Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 brought IPX87 water resistance to the foldable line-up, marking an important advancement for the category. Both devices were also built with Armor Aluminum, which was the strongest aluminum ever used on a Galaxy phone.

2019-2020: Can you fold a mobile phone?

Long before foldables became familiar in everyday mobile experiences, Samsung took the bold step of reimagining what the category could look like. And after launching a foldable for the first time in 2019, Samsung continued to show that foldables were not just phones with flexible screens, but devices that could support entirely new ways to enjoy mobile experiences. With relentless innovation over the years, Samsung has driven the technology from concept to mainstream adoption.

2020: Hideaway Hinge and Flex Mode Unlock New Foldable Experiences

Galaxy Z Fold2 came with an expanded 6.2-inch Infinity-O Display and introduced Flex Mode, enabling the phone to be used with a variety of angles depending on user needs – wide open, standing upright in a folded position, and more.At the same time, Samsung launched the first Galaxy Z Flip, featuring the industry’s first foldable glass display built using Samsung’s Ultra-Thin Glass technology.These innovations showed that foldables were not simply smartphones with flexible screens; they could create entirely new ways of interacting with mobile devices.

2019: Galaxy Fold Opens a New Chapter in Smartphone Innovation

The first step in the journey began in 2019 with the Galaxy Fold bringing foldable technology to mainstream consumers for the first time.Its 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display could transform a compact phone into a larger screen designed for viewing, productivity and multitasking.Features such as App Continuity and Multi-Active Window demonstrated how software and hardware could work together across a completely new form factor.At the time, it was a bold vision of what the future of mobile technology could look like.

More still to come for the Galaxy Z series

What began as a bold idea in 2019 has evolved into a comprehensive Galaxy Z portfolio shaped by relentless innovation and improvements. The journey is far from over. Across the Galaxy Z series, Samsung will continue to make the foldable experience even more intuitive, capable, and seamless for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8?
The three devices are designed around different foldable experiences. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra brings Ultra-level productivity and content creation to an expansive foldable display, Galaxy Z Fold8 focuses on immersive content discovery and consumption through its new form factor, while Galaxy Z Flip8 centres on self-expression and quick interactions through its AI-native FlexWindow.

Q. Is Galaxy Z Fold8 one of the lightest foldable phones available?
The Galaxy Z Fold8 is the world’s lightest book-style foldable phone, combining the portability with an expansive screen when you want more. Weighing just 201g, the device is easy to carry throughout your day and its slim profile fits comfortably in your hand. You can slip it into your pocket smoothly or unfold whenever you want more room to watch, read, work, or play on the spacious main screen.

Q. How do I transfer my data over from another phone to Galaxy?
Bringing your data over is easier than ever with the upgraded Smart Switch experience on Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8. There is no need for an extra app and data can be transferred wirelessly to make the move over to Galaxy even simpler. Migrate data including passwords and passkeys, call history, accessibility settings, eSIM data and more.

1. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold8’s cover screen size is 5.5” in the full rectangle and 5.4” accounting for the rounded corners. The Main Screen size is 7.6” in the full rectangle and 7.6” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole. Aspect ratios shown are approximate, based on representative model values. ︎
2. Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models. ︎
3. Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. ︎
4. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s cover screen size is 6.5” in the full rectangle and 6.5” accounting for the rounded corners. The main screen size is 8.0” in the full rectangle and 8.0” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole. ︎
5. Compared to previous Galaxy Z Flip models. ︎
6. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Flip7’s cover screen size is 4.1-inch in the full rectangular form; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole. ︎
7. IPX8 is based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Not dust-resistant. ︎

“Samsung looks beyond performance and functionality to consider how appliances fit naturally into people’s living spaces and deliver meaningful experiences in everyday use,” said Hyoung Min Park, Vice President and Head of the Customer Experience Team of the Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to combine AI with differentiated design and engineering to deliver greater convenience and efficiency that consumers can experience in their daily lives.”

Bespoke AI WindFree Pro Air Conditioner Wins in Best in Design

The Bespoke AI WindFree Pro Air Conditioner¹ was named a winner in the Best in Design category, thanks to a Grid Design that harmonizes with the vertical and horizontal lines as well as the repetitive grids and planes commonly found in modern interiors. Its streamlined form reduces visually prominent functional elements, allowing the air conditioner to integrate naturally into the surrounding space.

As an honouree in the Best in Home Appliances category, the product also offers AI-powered technologies designed to provide personalized comfort. Three Motion Wings enable a variety of airflow patterns,² while AI Motion Wind³ uses a radar sensor to adapt airflow based on users’ preferences and movements.⁴ WindFree Wearable Good Sleep connects to a compatible wearable device⁵ and syncs with the user’s body signals to automatically adjust cooling based on the user’s sleep state

Highlighted IFA Innovation Awards 2026 Honorees

Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub

The Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub⁶ was named an honouree in the Best in Design category. It offers a personalized experience for consumers with its 32-inch display, as well as food management and connected kitchen capabilities⁷.

AI Vision uses an internal camera⁸ to recognize food items as they are placed in or removed from the refrigerator⁹. With this feature, users can track the use-by-dates of food items¹⁰ and receive recipe recommendations from the SmartThings Food app. Additionally, Auto Open Door enables hands-free access through voice commands or a simple touch,¹¹ allowing users to open and close the refrigerator door when their hands are full.

Bespoke AI Refrigerator

The Bespoke AI Refrigerator¹² was named an honoree in the Best in Home Appliances category.

The refrigerator can be installed with gaps of only 4 mm on each side and 20 mm at the top, allowing it to fit seamlessly into existing cabinetry.¹³ Its zero clearance hinge enables the doors to open fully¹⁴ even in tight spaces, providing convenient access to drawers and food items. Thinner doors¹⁵ and SpaceMax technology also provide more interior space¹⁶ without increasing the refrigerator’s external dimensions. Additionally, the product’s AI Hybrid Cooling technology combines a compressor and Peltier element¹⁷ to enhance cooling efficiency.

For more information, please visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/.

About the IFA Innovation Awards

The IFA Innovation Awards recognize innovative technologies and products across the industry. IFA 2026, the world’s largest event for home and consumer technology, takes place in Berlin, Germany, from September 4-8.

Official: Launched in 2025, the IFA Innovation Awards, presented in partnership with Gadgety Awards, recognize technical excellence across the global technology landscape. The program is open to companies of all sizes worldwide.

1. Model and feature availability may vary by region. ︎
2. Motion Wings consist of two outer blades (top and bottom) and one inner blade (middle). ︎
3. Feature availability may vary by region. ︎
4. AI Motion Wind refers to AI Direct and AI Indirect wind modes, which operate in AI Auto Mode. ︎
5. Requires a Samsung Smart phone (One UI 4.0+), compatible Galaxy Watch (Watch 7+). SmartThings connected AC on home Wi-fi, and SmartThings 1.8.45+/Samsung Health apps (Mobile & Watch) 6.31.1+. Wearable devices must be worn during sleep: some features may be limited on non-Samsung devices. Sleep stage information is transmitted to the air conditioner every 5 minutes during the first 90 mins, and every 30 mins thereafter. 
   ︎
6. Model and feature availability may vary by region. ︎
7. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. A Google or Microsoft account may be required. You must use the same log-in account on each of the devices. Availability of certain apps may vary by country, region, service provider, network environment, or device, and may change without notice. In the US, Samsung News and Samsung TV are available. The number of provided channels may differ by country. ︎
8. A red light turns on when the camera is operating. The user’s appearance may be captured, but areas other than the food item are automatically blurred. AI Vision refers to AI-based processing that helps recognize food items. ︎
9. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. If a food item is not recognizable, it may be listed as an unknown item. AI Vision cannot identify or list any food items in the freezer. Recognition uses AI models that may be updated periodically to help improve performance. ︎
10. Each food item’s expiry date should be manually entered by users via the SmartThings app. ︎
11. This function is set to OFF by default and can be turned ON or OFF through the product display. ︎
12. Model and feature availability may vary by region. ︎
13. Minimum required installation space for a custom built-in setup: [Width] 916 mm or more (Ensure a minimum gap of 4 mm on the left/right sides), [Height] 1798 mm or more (Ensure a minimum gap of 20 mm at the top). ︎
14. The refrigerator door can be opened up to 108°, but it depends on the installation environment. ︎
15. Compared to conventional Samsung models without zero clearance fit feature (RF32CG5400**)
    ︎
16. Compared to conventional Samsung models without SpaceMax technology (RF27T5201**)
    ︎
17. The Peltier element is a semiconductor-based component that cools using just electricity, without refrigerant. It operates when either the temperature in the refrigerator rises above the normal range or AI predicts that the temperature will rise in 5 minutes due to a long period of food storage or cleaning, based on an analysis of the user’s refrigerator opening and closing pattern. ︎

The exhibition offered a fresh interpretation of Samsung’s human-centered design vision. Inspired by Samsung products, 14 Korean artists drew on their sensibilities and imagination to interpret an act of love in their own ways. In the process, some used AI to develop their ideas and expand the possibilities of creative expression. Visitors viewed the completed works on OLED TV S95H displays, each featuring a custom frame with distinct materials and forms.

Samsung Newsroom visited “Design is an Act of Love” to see how art, technology, and design came together.

14 Acts of Love Inspired by Samsung Products

Upon entering, visitors were greeted by 14 artworks displayed on OLED TV S95H screens. Moving through the space, they encountered distinct colors, compositions, and narratives — each offering a different interpretation of a Samsung product.

Beyond the individual artworks, the exhibition explored the evolving relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence, expressed through the formula AI × (EI + HI) — Artificial Intelligence amplified by Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination.

The artworks began with human intuition, emotion, point of view, and imagination. Some artists then entered into a dialogue with AI, using it not to replace their creativity, but to expand it, animate it, and take it into unexpected new territories. Technology amplifies the human. It does not replace it.

Aihyung Jo’s “EVERYTHING, SO FAR…” draws inspiration from Galaxy Z Fold8, using metaphor and humor to explore the human desire to express one’s feelings to others.

Across the foldable’s inner and outer displays, visual symbols of human progress illustrate how technology has expanded human capabilities and opened countless possibilities.

▲ A visitor takes in “EVERYTHING, SO FAR…” by Aihyung Jo.

“The Shape of Sound” by design studio Everyday Practice reinterprets the exhibition theme as an act of connecting people.

Inspired by Music Studio 5, the work visualizes sound not simply as something to be heard but as a shared experience. Waveforms radiating from the center and expanding layers show how a single sound fills a space, bringing together those within it.

▲ A visitor observes “The Shape of Sound” by Everyday Practice.

In “Gitdeun,” kkamangdol reimagines the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub as a reflection of a family’s tastes and memories, capturing an everyday act of love.

Drawing on the tenderness found in familiar things, the work evokes the warmth and anticipation of February as winter gives way to spring.

▲ A visitor looks at “Gitdeun” by kkamangdol.

“The Aural Sensation” by Sukeee connects the immersive musical experience and sensory resonance of Galaxy Buds4 Pro with the vitality of nature.

An earbud sits at the center of an organic, ear-shaped flower, surrounded by rippling sound waves and fluttering petals that bring the scene to life.

“I wanted to capture an experience in which technology gently embraces the user’s emotions,” said Sukeee. “After developing the initial concept, I used generative AI tools throughout the process, from sketching to the final piece.”

▲ Sukeee discusses the inspiration behind “The Aural Sensation.”

While their approaches differed, human experience and emotion remained at the heart of each work — with some artists incorporating AI into their creative process.

One Display, 14 Distinct Expressions

A key part of the showcase was the custom frames surrounding the artworks. Rather than following a single style, the 14 frames created for OLED TV S95H featured distinct materials, forms, and finishes. Each gave the same display a different character.

The frames also reflect the exhibition’s exploration of expression. After years in which technology has increasingly gravitated toward neutral, minimal, and universal forms, the exhibition explored a different possibility: bringing greater diversity, personality, energy, and emotion into the objects that surround us, and allowing technology to connect more deeply with individual identity.

For “Spring Carries Love,” Guimi Yoo reimagines The Frame Pro as a bridge between viewers and the world within the artwork. The piece was presented in a mint-colored acrylic frame with a hazy finish.

▲ “Spring Carries Love” by Guimi Yoo

Inspired by the Infinite AI Air Purifier, “Picnic of May” by design studio Kiljong Arcade depicts a peaceful everyday moment. The work was displayed within a blue lattice frame combining matte and glossy finishes.

▲ “Picnic of May” by Kiljong Arcade

“Axis of Time, Terrain of Memory” presents Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 as companions that document users’ daily lives.

“I visualized the various types of everyday data accumulated on Galaxy Watch through changes in typography, color, lines, and density,” said Byungrok Chae, the artist behind “Axis of Time, Terrain of Memory.” “I extended the pixel structure of the digital display into the custom frame so the screen and frame flow together as a single graphic. This helped bring out the meaning and visual characteristics of Galaxy Watch.”

▲ Chae explains the concept behind “Axis of Time, Terrain of Memory.”

Samsung’s OLED TV S95H became a canvas for this exploration. Its Float Layer Design makes the display appear to float above a real metal plate, and for Design Miami Seoul, this concept was taken further through 14 unique custom frames, each created in dialogue with the artwork displayed on screen.

By incorporating its structure and materials as design elements, the TV itself becomes a design object within the space. Paired with 14 custom frames, the display showed how the same product could take on different expressions depending on its surroundings and individual tastes, bringing Samsung’s Expressive Design philosophy to life.

Human-Centered Design in the AI Era

During the exhibition, Samsung hosted a design seminar titled “The Language of Creativity,” where Mauro Porcini, President and Chief Design Officer (CDO) of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, discussed the company’s human-centered design vision and the role of design in the AI era.

Porcini emphasized that technology should bring warmth and value to people’s lives, while AI can expand human empathy and imagination.

“This exhibition stems from our belief that ‘Design is an Act of Love,’” said Porcini. “Through it, we hope to show how technology can enrich what makes us human.”

Together, these ideas offered a broader interpretation of “Design is an Act of Love”: understanding people deeply enough to celebrate their differences, amplify their imagination, and use technology to create more human, diverse, and expressive possibilities.

At Design Miami Seoul 2026, Samsung demonstrated how its human-centered design vision extends across products and spaces when paired with artists’ imaginations. As the AI era continues to unfold, the company remains focused on design that understands and cares for people.

For more information, please visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/.

Pair your Bespoke AI WindFree air conditioner with a Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring¹ via SmartThings to activate ‘WindFree Wearable Good Sleep’ mode automatically, ensuring ideal climate conditions while you sleep.

WindFree cooling gently disperses air for more comfortable, draft-free cooling.

Hot and humid nights can make it difficult to fall asleep, and even harder to stay comfortable through the night. Understandably, disrupted sleep caused by heat and humidity is one of the biggest reasons people invest in or upgrade their air conditioners. In a recent Samsung survey², 80% of respondents cite heat- or humidity-disrupted sleep as a key driver behind their purchasing of cooling solutions.

Samsung’s answer is the 2026 Bespoke AI WindFree air conditioner, which provide WindFree cooling – a comfortable, draft-free cooling, without any uncomfortable blasts of cold air. Combined with ‘WindFree Wearable Good Sleep’ mode and the connected Galaxy ecosystem like your Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring through Samsung SmartThings, the air conditioner can respond to your needs automatically, helping create a more comfortable environment throughout the night.

‘WindFree Wearable Good Sleep’ Mode: Cooling That Works While You Sleep

Fall asleep, and your Samsung air conditioner already knows. Pair your Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring to the Bespoke AI WindFree Air Conditioner, and the mode automatically switches on by itself — without the need for remotes or fumbling in the dark.

When your connected Galaxy wearables detect you are asleep, the ‘WindFree Wearable Good Sleep’ mode turns on WindFree cooling and adjusts the cooling performance to suit your sleep patterns for an ideal sleeping environment.

Designed to support quality sleep throughout the night, it automatically adjusts the room temperature in response to the different stages of a sleep cycle, as the optimal temperature for sleep is not fixed for the entire period that a person sleeps.

It continually modifies the temperature throughout the night, adjusting it approximately three times: cooling quickly as you fall asleep, maintaining a comfortable environment during deeper sleep, and gradually increasing the temperature as you wake. This helps create a more comfortable sleep environment, particularly during warm nights where maintaining the right temperature all night can be challenging.

Set Up ‘Good Sleep’ Mode In A Few Steps

1. Download the SmartThings app on your Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring and ensure your Bespoke AI WindFree air conditioner and wearable device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

2. Make sure your air conditioner is connected to SmartThings, and pair your compatible Galaxy wearable with your Galaxy smartphone.

3. In the SmartThings app, go to Routines > Create routine. Under If, select Sleep, then choose “When you fall asleep” as the trigger.

4. Under Then, select Control devices > Air Conditioner, turn on the air conditioner, and select Good Sleep or WindFree + Good Sleep under Options.

5. Wear your Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring to bed. Once your wearable detects that you have fallen asleep, the preset air conditioner settings will be activated automatically.

Additionally, your Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring can also monitor your sleep patterns and provide insights into how well you’re sleeping, helping you better understand your nightly routine.

For more information on the 2026 Bespoke AI WindFree air conditioner and how it pairs with your Galaxy ecosystem, visit https://www.samsung.com/my/air-conditioners/windfree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How does ‘WindFree Wearable Good Sleep’ mode work?

It connects the air conditioner to compatible Galaxy wearables, such as the Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring, through SmartThings. When the wearable detects that you have fallen asleep, it automatically activates WindFree cooling throughout the night to create the ideal climate for a deep and pleasant sleep.

Q. What other features of Bespoke AI WindFree air conditioner can be part of my bedtime routine?

AI Fast & Comfort Cooling helps bring the temperature down quickly based on room conditions and usage patterns. Once the room is comfortable, it eases into WindFree cooling, providing relief without the uncomfortable cold blast of air.

1. It can be used when linking a Samsung smartphone with Samsung software One UI version 4.0 or later and a wearable device that supports Wear OS: Galaxy Watch 4 or later, Fit 3 or later, Galaxy Ring. You must download the Samsung SmartThings App on the wearable device and connect the air conditioner to your home Wi-Fi. You can set it in the Samsung Watch App’s ‘Sleep well with smart devices’ or Settings > Mode and routine > Sleep menu, and you must wear the device while sleeping. SmartThings is optimized for Samsung smartphones and Galaxy Watches, and some functions may be limited when used on smartphones and watches from other manufacturers. ︎
2. The Samsung Consumer Insights survey included 1,233 respondents from four markets including Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam. ︎

As those technologies evolved, Samsung focused on another challenge: making a large-screen foldable easier to carry every day, without losing the experiences that make the form factor unique.

And through that pursuit, Galaxy Z Fold5 weighed 253 grams, and Galaxy Z Fold6 reduced its weight further to 239 grams.

With Galaxy Z Fold7 came an even more ambitious goal:

“Could a foldable be lighter than a bar-type flagship smartphone?”

At the time, Galaxy S25 Ultra — one of Samsung’s flagship bar-type smartphones — weighed 218 grams. The development team set an even lighter target for Galaxy Z Fold7: 215 grams.

Galaxy Z Fold7 reached that goal. And now, building on years of foldable innovation, Galaxy Z Fold8 combines a new form factor with advances in core technologies, materials and internal architecture to weigh just 201 grams — 52 grams lighter than Galaxy Z Fold5. At 201 grams, Galaxy Z Fold8 is the world’s lightest fold¹.

But consumers expected more than just a lighter foldable.

A 2024 YouGov survey² found that a bulky or heavy design remained a concern among consumers not planning to purchase foldables, while battery life, durability and display quality ranked as top priorities for those considering them.

This insight shaped a core engineering goal for Samsung: make foldables thinner and lighter, while maintaining the core experiences users value most.

Battery life, camera performance, thermal management and durability still had to advance.

That could not be achieved by changing a single component. Samsung engineers had to reimagine the entire device — advancing fundamental foldable technologies, introducing new materials and revisiting hundreds of components and auxiliary parts to the fraction-of-a-gram level.

From 253 grams to 201 grams. Three engineering innovations enabled that transformation.

The Thinner and Lighter a Foldable Gets, the More Precise the Engineering Must Become

Making a foldable thinner and lighter brings a new set of engineering challenges.

The layers inside the display need to become thinner while still meeting Samsung’s durability and reliability requirements. The metal plate supporting the display needs to stay extremely flat even as it becomes thinner. And the hinge has to manage the forces created every time the device folds and unfolds, while being designed around the size and structure of each product.

Across generations, Samsung has continued to advance the display layers, ultra-thin metal precision machining and hinge technologies central to its foldable devices.

One example is Flex Titanium.

The displays in Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra use Flex Titanium technology featuring a Titanium Alloy Film designed for the foldable display structure.

The film is just tens of micrometers thick — roughly one-third the width of a human hair. Its material and structure work together to maintain performance at this extreme thickness.

The metal plate that supports the display presents a different challenge.

Some metal plates are machined to approximately 0.2 millimeters thick, with the thinnest sections reaching 0.15 millimeters. At that level, simply making the metal thinner is not enough. Thin metal can bend or warp more easily during machining, and even a small change in shape can affect assembly precision or the surface quality of the display.

What matters is the ability to machine ultra-thin metal at around 0.2 millimeters while consistently achieving the required shape and flatness.

Samsung refined the machining sequence, tooling, cooling conditions and process parameters, breaking the process into multiple stages to maintain precision.

The hinge requires the same level of care.

Beyond simply opening and closing the phone, it must distribute the forces created by repeated folding and unfolding across the device while maintaining structural stability.

And these requirements vary by product size and architecture.

Samsung engineers the hinge for each form factor, carefully balancing load distribution, strength, durability, internal space and weight rather than just scaling it down from one generation to the next.

Creating a thinner and lighter foldable requires more than downsizing individual parts.

It comes from greater precision in how materials are machined, how forces are managed and how structures are designed within a limited space.

Lighter, Built for Strength — Starting With the Materials

The second area is materials innovation.

Different parts of a foldable have very different jobs. Some demand high rigidity. Some must withstand repeated movement. Others need to spread heat efficiently.

Samsung selects and develops materials around those specific needs, delivering the performance each requires while optimizing weight and space.

In Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Flex Titanium incorporates a Titanium Alloy Film to support the foldable display structure.

For the exterior, Samsung uses Advanced Armor Aluminum, helping provide the strength and durability needed in a thin and lightweight frame.

Materials also play an important role in thermal management.

As a device gets thinner, there is less room to manage the heat generated inside. Samsung uses graphite with improved thermal performance, while tailoring the overall thermal structure to the size and performance requirements of each product.

In Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, which has similar overall dimensions to Galaxy Z Fold7, the volume of the graphite heat-dissipation layer was increased by approximately 7% to help support its enhanced performance.

Samsung also applies Clad Metal inside the rear of the device. By combining the characteristics of different metals, the material helps reduce weight while providing the thermal performance required within a thin structure.

Materials innovation is therefore not just about choosing lighter options, but about using the right material in the right place to deliver the performance each part needs with less weight and space.

Looking Again at the Entire Device — Down to 0.001 Grams

Only so much can be achieved through core technologies and new materials alone.

In a foldable already packed with highly integrated components, finding the next few grams means looking again at almost everything inside the device.

Samsung engineers reviewed approximately 270 components and more than 180 types of auxiliary parts.

This spanned everything from the display, hinge and cameras to circuit boards, antennas, brackets, tapes and fasteners.

The precision extended to reductions of 0.1 grams and 0.1 millimeters, and in some auxiliary parts, as little as 0.001 grams.

The printed circuit board, or PCB, was redesigned to remove unnecessary circuits, improve component layout and minimize its footprint.

The MFC(Magnetic Flux Channel) antenna was also reimagined to reduce unnecessary overlap and interference with surrounding components, allowing the limited internal space to be used more efficiently.

Every auxiliary part, no matter how small, was examined.

Of the more than 180 types previously used, approximately 15 were eliminated.

Engineers then reviewed the remaining 170 types trimming oversized areas, refining shapes and optimizing dimensions. Multiple parts were consolidated into single structures where possible.

In some cases, the savings were measured in increments as small as 0.001 grams.

Each change seems minor in isolation, but repeated across the device, fractions of a gram become tenths of a gram, then whole grams.

The weight savings on a finished device result from hundreds of small engineering decisions.

Finding 6 Grams Again to Make Room for More

The goal was to reinvest the weight and space recovered through engineering into the capabilities people actually experience — including the battery, cameras and thermal system.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra provides a separate example of how this approach can be applied.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold7 have similar overall dimensions and both weigh 215 grams. But within that same weight, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra increases battery capacity from 4,400 mAh to 5,000 mAh.

That larger battery brought its own challenge: the battery itself added approximately 6 grams.

So the development team faced a new question:

“Where could we find those 6 grams again?”

There was no single component that could provide the answer.

Instead, engineers applied the same systematic approach across the entire device — materials and structures, circuit layouts and component placement, down to the smallest auxiliary parts — identifying weight savings across all components.

This strategy extended to internal space optimization.

By reducing unnecessary overlap between the display, circuits, antennas and surrounding components, and by improving packaging efficiency, Samsung created room for a larger battery and enhanced thermal and camera systems.

As a result, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra accommodates a 5,000 mAh battery while increasing the volume of its graphite heat-dissipation layer by approximately 7% compared with the similarly sized Galaxy Z Fold7.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra features a 200 MP main camera and introduces the first 50 MP Ultra-Wide camera on a Galaxy Z Fold device.

Samsung’s approach to a thinner and lighter foldable is therefore not about removing capabilities.

It is about redirecting weight and space savings toward the flagship experiences users value most.

From 253 Grams to 201 Grams: Redefining the Weight Standard for Foldables

The journey began with the first Galaxy Fold at 276 grams in 2019. Across eight generations, Samsung has continued to advance the technologies, materials and internal architecture behind the foldable experience.

In recent generations, that progress accelerated — from 253 grams with Galaxy Z Fold5 to 201 grams with Galaxy Z Fold8.

But the story isn’t just about reducing weight.

Samsung’s goal has been to make a large-screen foldable easier to carry without giving up the qualities users expect from a flagship smartphone.

The weight and space recovered through advances in core technologies, materials and component design were put back into the battery, cameras, thermal system and other flagship experiences users value most.

From 253 grams to 201 grams.

No single material or component made that transformation possible.

Eight generations of engineering enabled this, advancing core technologies, introducing new materials and rethinking the entire device to make Galaxy Z Fold easier to carry without compromising the flagship experience.

[Factoid] Galaxy Z Fold Series: A Thinner, Lighter Journey in Numbers

• ~52g
  Galaxy Z Fold8 is 52 grams lighter than Galaxy Z Fold5.
• 1/3, 0.2mm
  The Titanium Alloy Film used in Flex Titanium is approximately one-third the width of a human hair, while ultra-thin metal structures supporting the display are precision-machined to around 0.2 millimeters.
• ~270 / 180+ / 0.001g
  Samsung re-examined approximately 270 components and more than 180 types of auxiliary parts, optimizing some down to 0.001 grams.
• 5,000mAh / +~7% / 200MP + 50MP
  Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra features a 5,000mAh battery, approximately 7% more graphite heat-dissipation volume, and a 200MP main camera with a 50MP Ultra-Wide camera.

1. Based on internal research as of July 22, 2026, comparing commercially available book-style foldable smartphones globally. Exact weight may vary by model, configuration, and manufacturing process. Weight measured excluding protective cases or accessories. ︎
2. Source: YouGov plc, 2024, © All rights reserved ︎