Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 new "split UI" looks like the future of the phone

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 new "split UI" looks like the future of the phone

Samsung appears to be future-proofing its software for its foldable phones. Leaked information has revealed an adaptive user interface called "Split UI" that is said to be included in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3.

In other words, rather than developing different software for each foldable (or rollable) phone design, Samsung seems to be taking a one-size-fits-all approach. When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense.

The news comes from longtime Samsung leaker @iceuniverse, who revealed the Split UI design in two short clips.

Both clips start by showing examples of the displays of the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip devices, showing the redesign and how the UI adapts to the new screens The second clip shows users what they see on screen customize and even slide to resize different sections.

Samsung's current series of foldable phones are relatively simple devices. There is only one fold and at most two displays. All the software needs to handle is the transition from the front display to the internal display (in the Z Fold 3), or to recognize that the phone has been positioned without being fully unfolded and act accordingly.

But the future may not be so simple, and these clips show what Samsung is aiming for. After all, we are starting to hear about phones with multiple foldable, rollable, expandable displays, and who knows what other designs phone makers can dream up.

Samsung could develop software for each, but that would take time and effort. Instead, it is much easier to have one piece of software that can adapt to the hardware.

Furthermore, this also means that the split-screen experience is consistent across all Samsung folding and rollable devices. After all, that was part of the logic behind Samsung's One UI.

Furthermore, Android's split-screen support is still fairly basic. If Samsung wants to secure the future of its software now, it will need to be proactive rather than wait for Google to roll these features out to stock Android.

Other Galaxy Z Fold 3 rumors and leaks point to a new under-display camera for the main display, S Pen support, and a switch from physical to capacitive buttons. There is also talk that the Z Fold 3 will offer IP-grade water and dust resistance for the first time.

One rumor of particular interest is that Samsung will partner with Olympus on a camera for a special edition of the Galaxy Z Fold 3, but this may have to wait until the Galaxy S22.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 is currently expected to appear in July alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy S21 FE.

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