The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is already making many headlines. Most conversations are focusing on the expected regional split between the Exynos 2600 and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processors. There is also discussion about the potential performance that the Exynos 2600 chip could offer. However, a newly spotted component suggests a nice upgrade might be hidden in a completely different part of the Samsung Galaxy S26: the Bluetooth and overall connectivity experience.
New leaks indicate the Galaxy S26 lineup could debut with a dedicated companion chip for connectivity. This approach mirrors steps taken by other industry giants toward greater hardware independence.
Samsung Galaxy S26’s Exynos S6568 chip may enable Bluetooth 6.1
A fresh listing on the Bluetooth qualified products website reveals a new Samsung chipset: the Exynos S6568. Described as a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi companion chip, the S6568 aims to work alongside a main Exynos SoC. This move suggests Samsung is ready to offload crucial connectivity duties from its flagship processor.
The core technical headline is its support for Bluetooth 6.1. Announced earlier this year, Bluetooth 6.1 is the newest standard, promising better security features and noticeably improved power efficiency compared to its predecessor. Currently, no mass-market devices use this latest specification. So, the Galaxy S26 could be one of the first.
The real advantage: Efficiency and thermals
Why would Samsung introduce a separate chip for features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth? The prevailing theory among tech analysts is that by dedicating the Exynos S6568 to these tasks, Samsung can significantly improve the performance and power efficiency of the main processor (the Exynos 2600).
This architectural approach allows the primary chip to focus solely on high-demand tasks. Think about running applications and processing complex graphics. The result should be a potential gain in battery life for the S26, faster performance during heavy use, and better thermal management. In the end, the phone should run cooler when you need it most.
The rumored S6568 certification coincides with other reports suggesting the Galaxy S26’s development schedule is changing. The launch, traditionally held in January, is now rumored to be pushed back to March 2026. This delay reportedly stems from an internal strategy reevaluation that involved shuffling the model lineup. The move would also imply the delay of the One UI 8.5 update to eligible Galaxy devices.
The primary battle between the Exynos 2600 and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will still define the S26 experience in many regions. However, the integration of the Exynos S6568 points to Samsung also prioritizing other core aspects of the user experience. Making the phone run cooler and last longer, all while offering the newest connectivity standard, sounds like a great move.
During a global conference on 6G, which is currently ongoing in Korea, Samsung had some interesting things to say. Lee Ju-Ho, a fellow at Samsung Research, said that the changes 6G will bring “cannot be expressed in numbers.”
Samsung envisions a 6G future with major changes and AI involvement
He also added: “we must change the direction of the technology” in order to illustrate the benefits of 6G. On top of all that, Lee Ju-Ho also said: “We will find it difficult to solve the various problems we face by emphasizing only the peak performance of the 4G and 5G era.”
Samsung doesn’t think that hyping up 6G’s numbers is the way to go. The hype around 5G’s performance gains, higher connection speeds, lower latency, and so on, were not the right call.
Lee Ju-Ho believes that the advantages for 6G will be “qualitative”, while he referred to native AI a “key feature of 6G”. He added that AI will be essential to “solve previously impossible realities.”
It seems like Samsung believes that reliability, energy efficiency, and security will be key for 6G, along with AI, of course. Lee Ju-Ho said that 6G will benefit an aging population and those who live on their own. How? Well, for one, self-learning AI is expected to manage the network and also fix certain problems on its own.
He added that Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), where sensors in the network create real-time spatial awareness, could be used in autonomous transport. That’s just another example.
Samsung wants to focus on real-world benefits
Samsung obviously wants to focus on real-world and social benefits, rather than hyping up numbers. Well, at least that’s what we got from what Lee Ju-Ho said during this global conference.
As a reminder, the first commercial industry standard for 6G is expected to arrive in 2029.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is tipped to bring some major improvements to the table. The information comes from DealSite, as the source claims the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will get a major battery boost.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 could bring major improvements, including a battery boost
It is said to feature a 5,000mAh battery, a considerable upgrade from the 4,400mAh battery inside the Galaxy Z Fold 7. For comparison’s sake, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 competitors have larger battery packs. The OPPO Find N5, for example, comes with a 5,600mAh battery, and it offers a lot better battery life.
The battery life boost is not the only improvement mentioned, though. Samsung is also aiming to improve the display crease situation. The company plans to adopt the so-called laser-drilled metal plate technology. Apple will use something similar for its foldable iPhone.
Another area of improvement is mentioned in the report… the stylus. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 will, allegedly, be compatible with a stylus. Samsung removed the stylus compatibility this year, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, after first introducing it to its foldables back in 2021 with the Galaxy Z Fold 3.
Stylus support could also be making a comeback
Samsung made that move to make the Galaxy Z Fold 7 thinner. Well, it’s possible that the company figured out how to get the best of both worlds, which is why the Galaxy Z Fold 8 may get stylus support. It’s hard to imagine Samsung making its devices thicker just for the sake of stylus support.
The arrival of the first foldable iPhone may really push Samsung to make some major improvements to its book-style foldable. Competition is good, as it pushes innovation. The first foldable iPhone is tipped to arrive next year, though we may have to wait longer than that, it all depends on which rumor you choose to believe.
As a reminder, Samsung’s very first tri-fold smartphone made its first public appearance recently. It’s expected to get a full launch later this week, though nothing has been confirmed just yet.
Samsung has just shown off its first tri-fold smartphone ahead of its launch. Sounds confusing? Well, it kind of is. The company showed off the device sitting under glass during the K-Tech Showcase in Korea.
The K-Tech Showcase is kind of a side event of the APEC Summit, which is taking place October 31-November 1. The phone is tipped to get a full reveal during the APEC Summit, so we could be only days away from that happening. This appearance at the K-Tech Showcase certainly points in that direction.
Samsung’s first tri-fold phone just made its first public appearance
In any case, the device is shown here, but only its front side, it could be reflective of a device that is coming soon. It’s shown in full unfolded, and fully folded formats. Several sources shared these images, and that includes Ice Universe and The Chosun. You can see the device in the gallery below.
When fully folded, the phone will feature a 6.5-inch display, allegedly, as shown above. When completely extended, you’ll get a 10-inch display to use. You’ll notice that a display camera hole is all unfolding levels, basically.
The phone will have a middle-of-the-road unfold state, too. It is expected to offer an 8-inch display in that state. So it’ll essentially be a tiny table when unfolded once.
The device is expected to launch soon, possibly later this week
This is what Samsung said to SamMobile, in a statement: “Samsung continues to advance innovative technologies, including next-generation form factors in the era of mobile AI, to deliver meaningful user experiences. The recent showcase reflects ongoing R&D efforts, and we plan to bring this next generation device to users within this year.”
From that statement, one might think Samsung is saying this is just a prototype, not the real thing. Well, it could be, though if the device is coming in only a couple of days, that doesn’t make much sense. Either way, Samsung once again confirmed that the real tri-fold announcement is right around the corner.
The One UI 8 rollout has seen its share of issues, with Samsung pausing the process on several of its phones, including the popular Galaxy S24 and S23 flagships. The company hasn’t disclosed the reason that triggered this move, but we assume something serious. Anyway, it looks to be a thing of the past, as Samsung appears to have resumed the One UI 8 update for the Galaxy S24 and S23 models.
One UI 8 update for the Galaxy S24 and S23 resumed again
The screenshots shared by Tarun Vats confirm that One UI 8 is again available for the Galaxy S23 and S24. This is happening first in Samsung’s home soil, South Korea, suggesting that the Android 16-based update will also resume in other affected regions shortly. To recall, One UI 8 debuted on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip in July. It later made its way to other models, starting with the Galaxy S25 series.
Since then, Samsung has temporarily halted the update for various models without acknowledging or giving out a reason. It halted the One UI 8 rollout for the Galaxy S23 last week, after it began rolling out earlier this month.
The update is live in South Korea
One UI 8 is now back on track, as it’s rolling out again in the Galaxy S24 and S23 October monthly update. The update weighs around 396MB for the Galaxy S24 and 385MB for the Galaxy S23.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s next big UI upgrade is One UI 8.5, whose beta was originally rumored to start in November. But this is now reportedly not happening, possibly because of Samsung’s change in launch plans for the Galaxy S26 series.
Samsung’s upcoming big software update, One UI 8.5, is expected to bring some major changes and optimizations. However, things are reportedly not going as smoothly as planned. The company has now reportedly delayed the rollout of its One UI 8.5 beta. The program was earlier rumored to open in late November.
Samsung has delayed the rollout of the One UI 8.5 beta update
While Samsung has not made any official announcement yet, a fresh leak suggests that the firm has delayed the rollout of its One UI 8.5 beta update. The well-known tipster on X/Twitter, Tarun Vats, who closely follows the company’s software rollout timeline, recently revealed that the One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series has been postponed.
Earlier reports indicated that the beta would begin in the last week of November, but that schedule now appears unlikely. The delay seems to be connected with the major shake-up within the Galaxy S26 series.
According to sources, Samsung has canceled the Galaxy S26 Edge and reinstated the S26 Plus. It has also scrapped its plan to rename the standard S26 as S26 Pro. With the company revising its entire strategy, the internal development timeline has been disrupted. This has indirectly pushed back the One UI 8.5 beta as well.
The delay could be longer than anticipated
Since there are no official words on the update yet, it’s unclear how long the firm plans to hold off on the beta program. Historically, the company has delayed the release of its major software versions, such as One UI 8.0 and 8.1. This is to ensure the update’s stability before the stable release.
Anyway, if the One UI 8.5 beta rollout is delayed by more than a few weeks, it could line up with the slightly postponed launch of the Galaxy S26 series. However, depending upon the priorities of the company, the update may be delayed much longer than anticipated.
Despite a recent report, which claimed that Samsung’s first tri-fold phone could arrive to the US, that’s quite unlikely. Evan Blass, a well-known tipster, just shared the markets the device will arrive to, and the US is not amongst them.
Samsung’s first tri-fold smartphone is coming this week, but not the US
Evan went to X to say that the company’s first tri-fold smartphone will likely launch in Korea, the greater Chinese market (including Singapore and Taiwan), and possibly the UAE. That’s basically it.
The tipster did say, however, that he’d “love to be wrong”, but he doesn’t think he is. Everything point to Samsung avoiding both the US and Europe as launch markets for its very first tri-fold smartphone.
When will this thing finally launch? Well, another new report reveals some information on that too. According to a report from The Korea Herald, the device will arrive later this week, actually.
It is tipped to launch during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. That’s a mouthful, but the summit is taking place from October 31 to November 1.
October 31 is probably its launch date
Samsung will likely want to announce the device during the first day of the summit, so there’s a good chance we’ll see it on October 31. Nothing has been confirmed just yet, however, so we’ll have to wait and see.
From earlier reports, we know that the device will likely cost around $2,800. So it will be around a $1,000 more expensive than the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It is tipped to have a 6.5-inch cover display, and a 10-inch main display, when fully expanded. An 8-inch display could be the middle-fold state.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is rumored, along with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. A 200-megapixel main camera was also mentioned in rumors, along with both an ultrawide and a periscope telephoto camera.
Samsung is making all kinds of noise lately with its 2nm GAA process advancements and Exynos making a return with next year’s Galaxy S26 flagships. However, the South Korean giant is also working on something beyond. Samsung will reportedly integrate an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) into the Exynos 5G modem. This means the baseband chip will gain AI-powered capabilities required for real-time satellite communications.
An upcoming Exynos chip may have an NPU on the 5G modem
An executive from Samsung’s semiconductor division apparently met with SpaceX. The reason for this, as per Hankung, is to discuss the state of development for a new Exynos SoC that can connect to low-orbit satellites in the shortest time possible. Such a technology could shake the existing communications industry, which must go through ground-based stations.
The report, citing unnamed analysts, notes that Samsung is speeding up to enter the supply chain built by SpaceX. This is through an Exynos chipset whose 5G model will have an integrated NPU.
The modem would gain enhanced AI capabilities
At present, the existing SoCs have a limitation in directly communicating with low-orbit satellites and providing that information to terminals, which are smartphones in this scenario. The modem would gain enhanced AI capabilities that can predict satellite movements and communicate beam status in real time, and also maximize signal strength.
No major details about the said Exynos chip are available at the moment. It’s also not clear whether the silicon in question is the Exynos 2600. Previous reports note that Exynos 2600 would feature a standalone 5G modem, which would reduce the chipset’s efficiency.
We haven’t come across any Exynos 2600 rumors that remotely mention anything about Samsung introducing an NPU to the 5G modem. This suggests it’s likely to arrive in future iterations. Apple introduced the Satellite communication feature with the iPhone 14, but Samsung appears to be working on refining the experience.
At this point, One UI 8.5 is no secret, with numerous leaks revealing what could be on offer when it eventually rolls out. Though Samsung wants to keep it a mystery, leaks keep popping up at regular intervals. Unlike the One UI 8, the new version could be a step up in terms of new features and UI. A new leak now hints at an upgrade to notifications. One UI 8.5 could let you prioritize notifications on your Galaxy device.
One UI 8.5 may allow you to prioritize notifications
A newly leaked One UI 8.5 firmware adds the “Prioritize notification” toggle in the settings, as spotted by Sammyguru. This will let you prioritize specific alerts. When the toggle is on, you can set certain notifications as important. The report also shared an alleged screenshot of the feature.
The description suggests that users will be able to set high-priority notifications for each app in its settings. Once you do it, notifications from these apps will appear above other notifications. This option will ensure you don’t miss these alerts.
This can be quite handy if you keep missing important notifications like emails. You can manually prioritize notifications for any app on your Galaxy device. So, no matter when you pick up the phone, those unread notifications will always appear on top.
Priority notifications will appear on top
The screenshot shows the Galaxy AI logo, hinting that AI could be working behind the scenes in sorting these notifications. However, the description clarifies that notification content is processed on your phone, meaning it won’t be sent to the cloud. This is quite reassuring, though.
Apple introduced a similar feature to show priority notifications at the top with iOS 18.4. This uses Apple Intelligence to show notifications from important contacts in a separate group. However, Samsung’s feature doesn’t mention anything about priority notifications from contacts.
It’s not clear whether the beta version, which may be out in November, will include this or other leaked features. The stable One UI 8.5, based on Android 16, is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series early next year.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s thinnest and lightest book-style foldable to date, by far. Even though foldables are far more durable than they used to be, dropping them is never a good idea, same like with every other phone. The vast majority of people want to protect their foldables with a case, which is where we come in. In this article, you’ll be able to find the very best cases for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7… well, some of the best.
We’ll list some of our picks below, as we’ll try to make a versatile list. That way, you can find what you’re looking for, be it a regular case, a heavy-duty case, or something extremely thin, as many people don’t want to add too much bulk to their smartphones, especially foldables. In addition to cases, you’ll find some other accessories on the list. With that being said, let’s get to it.
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 case for most people
Spigen has an excellent case that will probably suit most people the best, the Slim Armor Pro MagFit case. It brings great protection all around.
Spigen Slim Armor Pro MagFit
$39.99
The Spigen Slim Armor Pro MagFit case is a great option for many people. This case is not exactly a super-thick case, but it does add a lot of protection, including hinge protection too. On top of that, it includes magnets on the inside, and thus makes this case compatible with MagSafe accessories.
The case comes in Black, Metal Slate, and Gunmetal color options. It is made mostly out of polycarbonate, and offers drop protection via Air Cushion technology. It has raised edges for both the screen and the rear cameras.
If you want a super-grippy case that also offers a lot of protection, dbrand has one. It’s called the Grip Case, and it’s actually really good.
dbrand Grip Case
$79.85
dbrand’s Grip Case is a great case if you want plenty of grip in addition to having plenty of protection as well. This case offers great protection for the entire phone, including raised edges for the cover display, cameras, and special protection for the hinge.
Grip Strips are included on the sides, while the case itself is around 2mm thick. On top of everything, it comes with magnets on the inside.
Colors: Holo White, Matte Black, Ultramatte Teardown, Glow Circuit, Obsidian, and more
Magnets: Yes
Build Materials: TPU
Recycled materials: N/A
Dimensions: 2mm thick
Weight: N/A
Other: Military-grade impact resistance
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Best thin Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 case
If you want a really, really… really thin case, but you don’t want to sacrifice its quality, Thinborne’s offering is the right call.
Thinborne 600D Aramid Fiber case
$89.98
Many people don’t want to use thick cases with their foldables, which is understandable. In fact, even regular ones are too thick. That’s where Thinborne comes in. The company’s 600D Aramid Fiber case is razor thin, and extremely light, too.
Despite the fact it’s only 1mm thick, it does include magnets on the inside, so it enables compatibility with MagSafe and Qi2 accessories. This case is also considerably grippier than the phone itself.
Colors: Black
Magnets: Yes
Build Materials: 600D Aramid Fiber
Recycled materials: N/A
Dimensions: 1mm thick
Weight: 17 grams
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Best hardshell Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 case
If you’re not a fan of soft-touch cases, and you would like something more rigid, Nilkin has one that won’t break the bank.
Nillkin Frosted Shield case
$42.99
Nillkin’s cases are actually quite popular with consumers who want a name they know, but don’t want to break the bank for a case. The Frosted Shield cases are especially well-known, and one such case is available for the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
This case has a hard shell, and comes with very good protection for the rear camera, cover display, and the hinge. It also includes magnets on the inside, and it has a nice-feeling, ribbed pattern on the back.
Colors: Black
Magnets: Yes
Build Materials: TPU, polycarbonate
Recycled materials: N/A
Dimensions: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm
Weight: 198 grams
Other: Air Cushion tech
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Best wallet case for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
If you want a wallet-type case for your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, we have a great leather one to show you. This one comes from Torro and offers plenty of protection.
TORRO Leather Wallet Case
$37.99
Many people prefer wallet-type cases for their phones, and if you’re one of them, TORRO has a great leather case to offer. This one is made out of premium leather, and it has a stand function. In other words, it can serve as a stand for your phone, too.
This case comes with some card slots, while there’s also a slot for your money bills, if you need it. It offers plenty of protection, and has a microfibre lining on the inside. It’s as nice as wallet-type cases go.
Colors: Black, Brown
Magnets: No
Build Materials: Leather
Recycled materials: N/A
Dimensions: 165.1 x 80 x 22.1mm
Weight: 100 grams
Other: Stand function, card and bill pockets
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Best Heavy-Duty Case for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
If you’re looking for A LOT of protection for your Galaxy Z Fold 7, OtterBox has a great case to offer. It’s the Defender Series XT case.
OtterBox Defender Series XT case
$94.99
The OtterBox Defender Series XT case is a great option if you want a heavy-duty case for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This is not one of the more affordable cases on the list, though, so keep that in mind. You’ll have to part with quite a few dollars to get it.
This case does offer rugged hinge protection, along with great cover display and camera protection. On top of that, it comes with a lanyard attachment point, and it’s compatible with wireless charging. The case is also quite grippy.
Colors: Black, Sagebrush (Green)
Magnets: Yes
Build Materials: Rubber, Silicone
Recycled materials: N/A
Dimensions: 168.4 x 82.8 x 19.3mm
Weight: 109.69 grams
Other: Lanyard attachment point
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Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Screen Protector
Tempered glass screen protectors offer an extra layer of protection for your phone’s screen, and Spigen has a great one for your Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector (2-pack)
$20.99
You cannot apply a screen protector on the internal display of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, but you sure can do it for the cover display. Spigen has a great tempered glass screen protector that you can get. It costs $20.99 for a 2-pack, just in case you managed to shatter the one you apply initially.
This screen protector comes with an easy installation kit which will make installing it a breeze, basically. This screen protector comes with oleophobic coating for daily fingerprint resistance.
Colors: See-through
Build Materials: Glass
Dimensions: 152.4 x 65.8 x 12.7mm
Weight: 229.63 grams
Other: Oleophobic coating
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Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 charger
You may be on the lookout for a charger for you Galaxy Z Fold 7, as one doesn’t come in the box. Samsung has a really good one that’ll do the trick.
Samsung 25W charger
$19.99
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 doesn’t come with a charger in the box, but Samsung does sell one via its official website. The one we’re listing here is a 25W PD charger, which will do the trick for this phone. Samsung has as more expensive 45W charger too, but that one is not needed for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 due to its charging speed limitations.
This 25W charger supports Super-Fast Charging (SFC), and it comes with a Type-C port. You’ll need to use the cable provided in the box with the phone. The charger comes in Black and White colors, by the way.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is now getting its very last major Android and One UI update. In other words, Android 16 has started to roll out to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE.
The Galaxy S21 FE is now getting its final big Android update, the Android 16 update
Samsung promised four major Android OS updates for the device, and with this update, the company fulfilled that promise. The update has started to roll out in Thailand and Vietnam, but it will spread to various other markets in the coming days/weeks.
The update comes with a firmware version G990EXXUIHYJ2, and the download size is over 2 GB, so keep that in mind if you’re not on Wi-Fi. This update includes the September 2025 Android security patch, by the way.
Your phone will let you know when the update becomes available, though you can always manually check via the settings. That could speed up the process a bit, but the update is rolling out in stages, so even when it becomes available in your region, you may have to wait a bit.
Android 16-based One UI 8 update does bring a number of small improvements to the phone. Multitasking improvements are a part of the package, as well as better workflow automation.
Samsung is also improving customization with this update. The modes and Routines section is receiving an additional preset routines and data-linked actions. The camera interface is getting some updates too, as is the Secure Folder, amongst other things.
Samsung promised four major Android OS updates, and the company delivered
As a reminder, the Galaxy S21 FE launched way back in 2022 with Android 12-based One UI 4.0 skin. It already received Android 13, 14, and 15 updates, prior to this Android 16 update that has started to roll out.
This is not the end of the road for updates in general, however. The Galaxy S21 FE will continue receiving security patches for at least another year.
A trusted tipster said yesterday that Samsung decided to postpone the launch of the Galaxy S26 series. That followed an earlier report that claimed the phones would arrive in March. Well, some additional information just surfaced, adding more context to the whole story.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series will seemingly launch in late February or early March
According to a new report from WinFuture, the launch date for the Galaxy S26 series has been pushed back to late February or early March. This is not a first for Samsung, as the Galaxy S22 series arrived in late February, while the Galaxy S23 series was announced in mid-February.
With the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25 series phones, however, the company has been sticking to the January launch timeframe. It seems like the company decided to change things up now, and the indecisiveness could have a lot to do with that.
Samsung is making last-minute changes across the lineup
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra were supposed to launch. Based on recent reports, however, Samsung has decided to launch the Galaxy S26 instead of the Galaxy S26 Pro, and the Galaxy S26+ instead of the Galaxy S26 Edge.
We don’t know if that will affect the designs that we’ve exclusively revealed, but Samsung could be changing just the names. It remains to be seen. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, which was initially planned is still coming.
Samsung is also having some problems with the Exynos 2600 as well, it seems. Reports are claiming that half of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series phones are expected to use that chip, and it still has a low yield, based on reports.
A separate report says that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will go into mass production in December, earlier than the other two phones. The Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ are said to join in January.
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