Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 new 'Split UI' looks like the future of phones

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Split UI
(Image credit: Ice Universe)

It looks like Samsung is futureproofing its foldable phone software, with a leak revealing an adaptive user interface called “Split UI” that's allegedly coming to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3.

So rather than developing a different software for every foldable (or rollable) phone design it produces, it looks like Samsung is going for a one-size fits all approach. Which makes a lot of sense, when you think about it.

This news comes from long-time Samsung leaker @iceuniverse, who revealed the Split UI design in two short clips.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

(Image credit: Ice Universe)

Both clips start off by showing an example of a display on a Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip device, before changing the design and showing how the UI adapts to the new screen. The second clip shows that the user can also customize what they see on screen, and slide to alter the size of different sections.

Samsung’s current range of foldable phones are relatively simple devices. There’s only a single fold, and at most there are two displays. Really all the software needs to handle is migrating from the front display to the interior (on the Z Fold 3), or 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 us what Samsung appears to be working towards. After all, we’re starting to hear about phones with multiple folds, rollable extending displays, and who knows what other designs phone makers can dream up.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 split UI

(Image credit: Ice Universe)

Samsung could come up with software for each one, but that takes time and effort. It is much easier to have one bit of software that can adapt to the hardware it’s on. 

What’s more, it also means that the split-screen experience is consistent alongside all Samsung foldable and rollable devices. That was part of the logic behind Samsung’s One UI, after all. 

Plus, Android’s split-screen support is still pretty basic. If Samsung wants to start futureproofing its software now, it’s going to have to be proactive and not wait for Google to roll out these features 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 the switch from physical buttons to capacitive buttons. We've also heard that the Z Fold 3 will offer an IP water and dust resistance rating for the first time. 

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

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is currently expected to arrive in July, alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy S21 FE.

TOPICS
Tom Pritchard
UK Phones Editor

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.

Read more
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition opened up
Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 could be a lot like this foldable that already launched
Galaxy Z Fold 6 shown in hand
Samsung just killed the crease with this breakthrough foldable phone display
Galaxy Z Fold 6 shown in hand
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 just got these major upgrades with One UI 7
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in blue
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 rumors — everything we know so far
Samsung Tri Fold Foldable phone concept
Samsung's tri-fold phone tipped for summer launch — but one downgrade might fold your excitement
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 tipped for a huge outer screen upgrade — here’s what we know
Latest in Samsung Phones
samsung galaxy s25 edge mockup at galaxy unpacked
Galaxy S25 Edge is overhyped — I want Samsung to make this phone thinner instead
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Older Samsung phones are finally getting One UI 7 — here's all the devices
The iPhone 16 Pro Max (L) and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra rear cameras
I took 200 macro photos with Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro — here's the winner
Try Galaxy home screen on iPhone 16 Pro Max
You can now try Samsung's latest One UI 7 software on your iPhone — here's how
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge back
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge price comes into focus with latest leak
Samsung Galaxy A56 (left) and iPhone 16e (right) laying next to each other on a woodgrain table.
4 reasons why Samsung's Galaxy A56 is a better buy than the iPhone 16e
Latest in News
iPhone 17 Air render
New leaked iPhone 17 dummy units show off super-thin iPhone 17 Air with this surprising design tweak
Simone Ashley and Hero Fiennes Tiffin in "Picture This" now streaming on Prime Video
Prime Video top 10 has 3 must-watch movies — including a bubbly romcom starring 'Bridgerton's' Simone Ashley
(L-R) Josh Hartnett as Cooper and Ariel Donoghue as Riley in "Trap"
Netflix top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now
iOS 19 logo on an iPhone
Apple WWDC 2025: iOS 19 and everything we know so far
Siri
Siri 2.0 features reportedly only working ‘two-thirds to 80% of the time’
Jack Draper in action at Indian Wells 2025
How to watch Indian Wells men’s and women’s finals: live stream tennis online