Samsung used an under-display camera on the inner screen of its book-style foldables for four generations, beginning with the Galaxy Z Fold3 in 2021 and ending with the Galaxy Z Fold6. The Galaxy Z Fold7 switched to a traditional punch-hole camera, and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and wider Galaxy Z Fold8 followed the same approach.

Now, the under-display camera is reportedly set to return next year. A tipster on X claims Samsung is developing a device with an under-display camera, major internal changes, and only minor adjustments to its overall thickness and design. Earlier this month, the same source said the Galaxy Z Fold9 was already in development, with target dimensions of 3.9mm when unfolded and 7.9mm when folded.

The tipster also claims Samsung is positioning the Fold9 as a direct competitor to the iPhone Duo. Apple’s first foldable reportedly features a 4MP under-display selfie camera on its inner screen, making Samsung’s possible return to the technology less surprising.

However, the claims should be treated cautiously, as they come from a single unconfirmed source. The reported dimensions also raise questions: the wide Galaxy Z Fold8 measures 4.5mm unfolded and 9.7mm folded, so a 7.9mm Fold9 would represent a substantial reduction despite the suggestion of minimal changes to its thickness. The figures may have been early targets that have since changed, or they could refer to a Galaxy Z Fold9 Ultra rather than the wider model. Much remains uncertain about Samsung’s next foldable.:::