Samsung is developing the Galaxy Z Fold9 foldable smartphone for a planned release next year, positioning the device to compete directly with Apple’s upcoming foldable line, JPNN reported on November 2, 2026. The new device will reintroduce an under-display camera on its internal folding screen.
Samsung Prepares Under-Display Camera Return for Galaxy Z Fold9
The South Korean technology company is bringing back hidden camera technology after shifting away from it in recent models. According to reporting from GSM Arena on October 31, 2026, cited by JPNN and ANTARA News, Samsung previously used under-display cameras from the Galaxy Z Fold3 through the Galaxy Z Fold6. However, the manufacturer switched to a standard punch-hole design for the Galaxy Z Fold7, as well as the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra models released in 2026, as noted by Batamnews. For the upcoming Z Fold9, leaks from a technology tipster posting on the platform X indicate that the under-display selfie camera will return to the internal panel. Sumeks reported that the technology allows the inner screen to appear more complete because it does not require a camera hole like the one used on several current phones, while image quality remains an important consideration in the development of the hidden camera technology. ANTARA News noted that information conveyed by the informant regarding the Galaxy Z Fold9 is merely rumor that must be treated with caution, as the company concerned has not delivered information regarding the matters conveyed by the informant.
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Targeting Apple Foldable Rivals in 2027
Industry leaks point to a strategic rivalry shaping next year’s foldable market. ANTARA News reported that the tipster on X places the Galaxy Z Fold9 as a direct competitor to Apple’s anticipated iPhone Duo, a device expected to feature a 4-megapixel under-display selfie camera on its inner screen. Sumeks reported that the upcoming Samsung device is projected to feature major internal hardware changes while maintaining a familiar exterior form factor. Batamnews added that earlier speculative metrics for the hardware target a thickness of 3.9 mm when open and 7.9 mm when closed, though those figures remain unconfirmed against the dimensions of current models such as the Galaxy Z Fold8.
Evolution of Samsung Foldable Camera Design
The timeline of Samsung’s foldable displays highlights changing design priorities between hardware generations:
- 2021: Samsung introduces under-display camera technology with the Galaxy Z Fold3 (Sumeks, ANTARA News).
- 2021–2024: Under-display cameras continue across subsequent generations from the Z Fold4 through the Z Fold6 (ANTARA News, Batamnews).
- 2025–2026: Samsung shifts to a standard punch-hole design for the Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Fold8, and Z Fold8 Ultra (JPNN, ANTARA News).
- Next Year (2027 Projections): The Galaxy Z Fold9 is slated to bring back the under-display camera to counter Apple’s iPhone Duo (JPNN, ANTARA News).
Unresolved Questions Surrounding Next-Year Release
Because Samsung has not officially announced the Galaxy Z Fold9, exact specifications, final pricing, and precise launch dates remain unconfirmed by the manufacturer, as ANTARA News pointed out. Observers await official confirmation from Samsung regarding whether the reported chassis thickness and internal upgrades will match the leaked specifications.