Exciting details about samsung‘s potential next-generation foldable device, a groundbreaking tri-fold phone, have surfaced. These insights come directly from animations discovered within the latest internal build of Samsung’s One UI 8 software. The leak provides what appears to be the first concrete look at the design and folding mechanism of this highly anticipated device, possibly ahead of its official debut.
This revelation arrives just before Samsung’s next Unpacked event, where the company is expected to launch its newest Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models. While the focus is typically on those updates, the appearance of these detailed animations hints that Samsung’s multi-fold future might be closer than many anticipated. Uncovered through an APK teardown, a method of examining application code to predict upcoming features or designs, these animations offer valuable clues about the innovative device Samsung is developing.
The Secret Within One UI 8: First Look at the Samsung Tri-Fold
The animations embedded deep within the One UI 8 build are intended to demonstrate NFC positioning on the device. However, their true value lies in visually depicting the phone’s form factor. Thanks to this unexpected glimpse, we now have a clear idea of how Samsung envisions its multi-panel foldable phone. This approach follows a teaser of a flexible multi-fold concept Samsung previously shared at an Unpacked event in January, suggesting active development has been underway.
It’s crucial to remember the nature of this leak. Information derived from APK teardowns shows features or designs Samsung is working on. There is always a possibility that these elements could change or might not make it into a public release product. Therefore, while exciting, these details should be treated with a degree of caution until Samsung makes an official announcement.
Decoding the Design: Panels, Displays, and Cameras
The uncovered animations reveal a device structure featuring three distinct rear panels when in its folded state. This configuration is central to how the multi-fold phone operates.
The left-most rear panel appears designed to house the primary camera system. It showcases a triple rear camera setup positioned within a camera island. This design choice is quite similar to the camera bump seen on current Samsung Galaxy Z Fold flagships, suggesting a continuation of that aesthetic.
The central panel of the device serves a crucial dual role. It is expected to function as the cover display when the phone is folded shut. This panel also clearly shows a front-facing camera, strategically placed for taking selfies or making video calls while the device is in its compact, folded form.
Lastly, the right-most rear panel stands out by appearing completely blank and bezel-less. This suggests it is solely a structural panel, not housing a display. Its purpose becomes clearer when understanding the unique folding mechanism of the device. The NFC chip location, according to one analysis of the animations, might also be housed within one of these rear panels, possibly the one with the cameras.
The G-Fold Mechanism: Hinges and Folding Dynamics
A defining characteristic of this potential Samsung tri-fold phone is its innovative folding method. The animations clearly show a design with two folding hinges. Crucially, both of these hinges appear to fold inward. This creates a unique folding shape that has been referred to as a G-shaped fold. This mechanism is reminiscent of Samsung Display’s earlier “Flex G” prototype concepts, aligning the leaked design with Samsung’s known flexible display research.
This G-shaped folding approach presents a direct contrast to other multi-fold designs seen on the market. For example, the HUAWEI Mate XT utilizes an S-shaped fold, which involves one hinge folding inward and another folding outward. While the S-fold can offer different screen configurations (allowing parts of panels to be exposed even when partially folded), Samsung’s G-fold appears focused on tucking both main display segments safely inward when fully folded, utilizing the blank rear panel as part of the structure.
Further inspection of the folding animations reveals another significant technical detail: the two inward-folding hinges are not the same size. One hinge appears notably thinner than the other. This difference in hinge size is likely a critical engineering solution. It helps the device achieve a flatter fold by allowing the complex layers of the display and panels to nest together more effectively. Without differently sized hinges, forcing such a fold could place excessive stress on or potentially break the flexible display panel.
More Than Meets the Eye: Internal Name, Warnings, and Build Details
Adding to the intrigue, the internal files associated with these animations don’t explicitly use “Galaxy G Fold” as the device name. Instead, the device is referred to internally as “Multifold 7” and utilizes the codename “B7M.” This internal designation could simply be a working title or a development codename rather than the final marketing name. However, the “B7M” codename is notable as it aligns closely with the “B7” codename associated with the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7. This potentially positions the multi-fold device as part of Samsung’s seventh generation foldable lineup, suggesting a planned progression in their foldable technology.
Acknowledging the complexity introduced by the different-sized hinges and the specific layering required for a flat fold, the One UI 8 build even includes a warning animation for users. This animation specifically advises against attempting to fold the panel that houses the rear cameras first. The reason for this caution becomes evident upon examining the folded structure: the thicker camera panel needs to fold after the thinner panel and blank rear section. Attempting to fold the camera panel first would prevent the blank rear panel from lying flat against it, potentially stressing the device or leading to breakage. The blank rear panel is designed to be sandwiched in the middle when the device is correctly folded flat.
Additionally, the unfolding animations offer a glimpse of the device’s side frame. This frame shows a recessed section in the middle. This design element is likely incorporated to accommodate physical buttons, such as the volume rocker and the side button (potentially with an integrated fingerprint sensor), ensuring they are accessible regardless of the device’s folded state.
Tri-Fold or Multi-Fold? Tackling the Terminology
While the term “tri-fold phone” has become the widely adopted industry phrase for devices that fold into three sections, it’s worth noting that the terminology can be technically imprecise. The revealed Samsung device design features two distinct folding hinges, not three. Similarly, it appears to utilize two display panels (the large internal one and the cover display), not necessarily “triple screens” in the traditional sense.
For technical accuracy, terms like “dual-hinge foldable” or “multi-fold” might be more appropriate descriptors. The internal codename “Multifold 7” found in the software files lends some weight to Samsung potentially embracing this more accurate term. However, the popular usage of “tri-fold” means the term has largely stuck, regardless of the precise number of hinges or displays.
When Could We See It? Launch Prospects and Caveats
The appearance of these detailed animations in an internal One UI build strongly suggests that Samsung’s multi-fold device is well past the conceptual stage and is actively being developed. While some rumors point to a potential full launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, the timing of this leak, right before a major Unpacked event, fuels speculation.
It’s possible Samsung could provide a teaser or a more official glimpse of the tri-fold phone at the upcoming July 9th event. This would mirror strategies Samsung has used in the past to showcase future products following major launches. However, a full consumer launch at this event alongside the Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 seems less likely, especially if a Q4 2025 timeframe is the target.
As mentioned, the information originates from development files. The final design, feature set, and even the launch timeline could still change significantly. Samsung itself has only offered brief, high-level teasers of multi-fold concepts previously. Therefore, while these leaks provide a tantalizing look at Samsung’s ambitions, patience and a healthy dose of skepticism are advised until Samsung officially unveils the device and its capabilities. The world of foldable phones is rapidly evolving, and Samsung appears poised to push the boundaries further with this complex and innovative design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the leak reveal about the Samsung tri-fold phone design?
The leak, based on One UI 8 animations, suggests Samsung’s tri-fold phone will have three rear panels when folded. The left panel likely houses triple rear cameras, the middle panel functions as a cover display with a selfie camera, and the right panel is a blank rear surface. It uses two inward-folding hinges (a G-shaped fold) and these hinges are different sizes to achieve a flatter fold. There’s also a warning about the specific folding order.
Where did these Samsung tri-fold details come from?
The design details were discovered through an APK teardown of animations found within the latest internal build of Samsung’s One UI 8 software. These animations were seemingly intended to show NFC positioning but inadvertently revealed the device’s potential physical structure and folding mechanism ahead of any official announcement.
Will Samsung launch this tri-fold phone soon, perhaps at the next Unpacked event?
While the leak is timely, appearing just before the next Samsung Unpacked event (July 9th), a full launch seems unlikely based on the information. Some speculation suggests Samsung might offer a teaser or brief preview at Unpacked. Other reports indicate a potential full consumer launch could be targeted for the fourth quarter of 2025. However, information from APK teardowns is based on development work and is subject to change, so the final design and launch timing remain unconfirmed.
The Future Unfolds: What’s Next for Samsung?
The emergence of these detailed animations in One UI 8 provides compelling evidence that Samsung is actively developing a tri-fold device, potentially positioning it as the next major evolution in their foldable lineup. The innovative dual inward-folding mechanism and attention to structural details like differing hinge sizes highlight the technical challenges and Samsung’s solutions in creating such a complex form factor. While the specific name, launch date, and final features are still subject to change, this leak offers an exciting preview of Samsung’s potential multi-fold future. Tech enthusiasts will be watching the upcoming Unpacked event closely for any official hints about this revolutionary device.
