Samsung reportedly working on new ‘Split UI’ for the Galaxy Z Fold 3

Samsung is reportedly working on a more adaptable UI for its Galaxy devices, starting with the Galaxy Z Fold 3.

What you need to know

• Samsung is reportedly preparing a new “adaptive UI” for its Galaxy devices.
• Leaks show UI elements automatically adjusting to a user’s actions.
• The new UI could appear on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 before rolling out on other devices.

Samsung may be preparing a new “adaptive UI” with its next major update to One UI. Leaker Ice Universe posted a series of GIFs that show off the UI in action, adapting to different form factors from smartphones to tablets and foldables like the rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3.

The GIFs show the same applications adapting the UI to different form factors. It will reportedly be called “Split UI” and debut on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3.

2 pic.twitter.com/Tnt4rvLKMm

— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) May 23, 2021

While One UI 3.1 is already found on many different types of devices like the best foldable phones, this could open the door to a new category that Samsung has only teased) at this point: rollables. The company recently showed several different display concepts, including a “Slidable OLED.” The device resembles that of the canceled LG Rollable or the OPPO X 2021.

Samsung’s adaptive UI could be ideal for devices like rollable smartphones. Since the display extends outwards to allow more surface area, the UI must adjust accordingly and differently from a foldable smartphone.

Samsung hasn’t yet divulged details on its next major version of One UI, so take these GIFs with a grain of salt. But the company was previously rumored to be producing rollable displays this year, so it wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibility for the company to lay the groundwork for its upcoming form factors.

Of course, it would likely be up to app developers to do the extra legwork to allow their apps to adapt to the new UI. That said, Google has been working to improve support for foldables in Android, which likely extends to rollable devices as well.

The future, today

Galaxy Z Fold 2

$1550 at Best Buy
$1800 at Amazon

A more refined foldable

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 2 is one of the more refined foldable smartphones on the market, thanks to its large outer display and 120Hz inner display. It offers a fairly sleek design, good battery life, and impressive cameras. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Premier service can also give owners of this phone peace of mind with 24-hour support and display replacements.