Samsung has started internal testing for its next-generation foldables, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 appearing on the company’s test servers running One UI 9. This early software activity signals that development is progressing for devices expected to launch later this year.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 has been spotted on Samsung’s US test server with model number SM-F976U, representing the carrier-locked variant for the American market. The device is running an early One UI 9 build with firmware version F976USQU0AZB1. Similarly, tipster Tarun Vats reports the Galaxy Z Flip 8 has appeared with model number SM-F776U, also a US-locked version, with build number F776USQU0AZB1.
Perhaps most intriguing is the appearance of a mysterious third device with model number SM-F971U, running build F971USQU0AZB1. While unconfirmed, this could potentially be the long-rumored passport-sized foldable, possibly called the Galaxy Wide Fold. The identity of this device remains speculative at this early stage.
The presence of these devices on test servers so early in the year suggests Samsung is making significant progress on both its next-generation foldable hardware and the One UI 9 software they’ll carry. Based on Samsung’s typical launch schedule, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 will likely debut at a Galaxy Unpacked event around July or August, shipping with One UI 9 based on Android 17 straight out of the box.
This early testing phase focuses primarily on the US market for now, with other regional variants expected to appear on test servers in the coming months. As Samsung pushes forward with foldable development, the company’s immediate focus remains on the upcoming Galaxy S26 series launch scheduled for February 25, coming with One UI 8.5. Stay tuned for more updates.
via: Sammyfans
