New Leak Suggests Samsung is Hiding a Second Book-Style Foldable for 2026

Samsung may be preparing to launch not one but two book-style foldable smartphones next year, according to widespread industry speculation. The discussion began after reports surfaced that the company is developing a new device with the model number SM-F971.

The SM-F971 carries the codename H8 and is confirmed to be a book-style foldable. It is not the Galaxy Z Fold8, which holds the model number SM-F976 and the codename Q8. It is also not a Flip model, since Samsung reserves model numbers beginning with “7” for flip-style devices.

This has led analysts to suspect that Samsung is working on an additional foldable alongside the Galaxy Z Fold8.

The argument for a Galaxy Z Fold FE is based on Samsung’s existing model-number pattern. The Galaxy Z Flip FE is labeled SM-F761. A future Flip FE 2 would therefore become SM-F771, since Samsung increases the middle digit each year.

Following this logic, a book-style FE version would mirror the Flip FE model number, with the first digit changing from 7 to 9 to mark it as a Fold. That makes SM-F971 a plausible candidate for a Galaxy Z Fold FE.

Other reports suggest the SM-F971 may instead introduce an entirely new form factor. This version is said to feature an 18:9 outer display and a square internal folding screen.

The device is reportedly being developed to compete directly with the foldable iPhone expected next year, which is also rumored to adopt a wider cover screen than Samsung’s current Galaxy Z Fold7.

At this stage, all information remains speculation. It is unclear whether Samsung is preparing a Fold FE, a new Fold design with a square inner screen, or both. More concrete details are expected in the coming weeks and months.