Samsung teases Galaxy Z Fold 8 in passport format

Samsung has begun hinting at its next Galaxy Z Fold, and the so-called passport format looks increasingly likely.

Across the smartphone world, attention is already fixed on September. At its keynote, Apple is widely expected to unveil its iPhone Fold. Its distinguishing feature, if the rumours are right, would be a “passport format”: an almost square outer display paired with a 16:9 inner screen. Samsung appears keen to get ahead of that narrative this summer with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is also tipped to adopt the same overall proportions.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 teasers point to a passport format

The South Korean company is now openly teasing this passport-style shape for its new device. It has shared several visuals that imply a shift away from a very tall, narrow design towards something less “high”, without becoming fully square. The taglines leave little room for doubt: “A new shape to savour”, “reduced to the essentials”, and “just right”. The message is straightforward: the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is set to change its design cues to better match where the market is heading.

Passport format: the new king of the folding smartphone market?

Based on the latest leaks, Samsung could be preparing to reveal three Galaxy Z models. That would mean the familiar Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8, alongside a Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide. This third option is said to feature the passport format, a layout that may well become a new benchmark across foldables.

It is worth crediting the right sources: the passport format was not created by Apple or Samsung. The first Pixel Fold used a similar approach, as did the Oppo Find N and the Huawei Pura X Max.

What a 16:9 inner display changes for content

The main advantage is media consumption. The inner panel is not square; instead, it uses a 16:9 ratio. The immediate result is that, when watching videos or playing games, software can fit content more naturally to the display, removing the black bars that can linger on more traditional folding formats.

That said, the passport format also comes with drawbacks. It can mean less usable workspace on the inner screen, and a shape that is less convenient when the handset is folded shut.

Two Galaxy Z Fold 8 options now, with Apple iPhone Fold looming in September

With the Galaxy Z Fold 8 line-up, Samsung would therefore offer buyers a choice via two distinct products. That is very welcome.

The real proving ground for the format will, of course, come in September with Apple’s arrival. The Cupertino brand, backed by its powerful image, could help bring folding phones into the mainstream-even if it does not completely redefine the category. Naturally, other factors will matter too, with price among the most important.