Is Samsung Secretly Working on a Galaxy Z Fold 8 FE?

Like this year, Samsung may launch three folding phones in 2026 (we aren’t counting the unreleased tri-fold yet). A recent leak revealed alleged model numbers of all three 2026 foldables. However, one of them doesn’t fit the company’s naming pattern at all, leaving us wondering if Samsung could be preparing a Galaxy Z Fold 8 FE, a more affordable version of its premium book-style foldable.

Samsung’s model number puzzle hints at a Galaxy Z Fold FE

For 2025, Samsung streamlined the model numbers of its foldables. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 had an expected model number (SM-F766), but the Flip 7 (SM-F766) changed from the Flip 6’s SM-F741. Samsung made the change to align better with the Fold’s numbering. Additionally, it launched the Flip 7 FE with the model number SM-F761, nicely placing it below the main Flip.

This year’s shift made the lineup cleaner and more consistent. But for 2026, things get interesting. A new leak claims Samsung is preparing new foldables with model numbers SM-F776, SM-F976, and SM-F971. The former two perfectly match the expected numbers for the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Fold 8, but the latter doesn’t. If Samsung were making a Flip 8 FE, it should logically be SM-F771, following this year’s pattern.

Now, if you look closely, SM-F971 sits much closer to the Fold series. It fits better as a Fold 8 FE than a Flip 8 FE. While this unusual jump from F761 to F971 could also indicate a much more advanced Flip 8 FE, the simpler explanation is a new addition to the Fold family.

Samsung may have a reason to make a cheaper Fold

Samsung’s foldable strategy has quietly shifted in recent years. The Flip series was once the mass-market focus, but it has lost momentum. The more expensive Fold series is now outselling the Flip in multiple regions. Even the introduction of a cheaper Flip turned into a failure, as the Flip 7 FE has already been discontinued or pulled from sale in some countries.

A more affordable Fold could attract customers who want the larger display experience without paying ultra-premium prices. Samsung has never released a “Fold FE” before, leaving a gap in the market. If the company wants to expand its foldable user base, a cheaper book-style foldable would be a smart move. Fold buyers tend to be more loyal, and the Fold form factor is now the company’s innovation showcase.

Nothing is confirmed yet, but the clues are getting harder to ignore. If Samsung indeed has a Galaxy Z Fold 8 FE in the pipeline, expect more details to emerge in the coming months. Market trends certainly favor a cheaper Fold over a second Flip.