With the Galaxy Z Fold 8 around the corner, I never expected Google to be a trendsetter
Android Police 2026-07-24 17:00:15
Context: Samsung is set to unveil its 2026 flagship foldable lineup, including the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and potentially a Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is expected to feature a design departure from Samsung's traditional thin and svelte foldables, instead opting for a wider and shorter form factor similar to Google's Pixel Fold. This design choice is seen as a trendsetter, with rumors suggesting that Apple and Samsung may be following Google's lead.
Key Facts
- Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is expected to feature a design similar to Google's Pixel Fold, with a wider and shorter form factor, differing from the company's traditional thin and svelte foldables.
- Google's Pixel Fold, initially criticized for its dated design, has undergone refinements, stretching the phone vertically and shrinking it horizontally across iterations, but still maintaining a "passport" style design.
- The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a later iteration of Google's foldable phone, was designed to allow for two full-size apps to be opened side by side, addressing issues with multitasking and app compatibility.
- Samsung's decision to release a foldable phone with a similar design to Google's may be a response to Apple's plans for its own foldable phone, which is expected to prioritize simplicity and allow for two apps to be used side by side simultaneously.
- The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra may feature S Pen support, which would provide Samsung with a way to differentiate itself from Apple and Google, whose foldables are not expected to include official stylus support.