Galaxy Wide Fold and One UI 9 may introduce a Foreign Material Detection feature to protect foldable screens

One of the biggest risks foldable phones face is screen damage. Their hinged design makes them inherently vulnerable to debris. A single pebble caught between the folding halves can spell disaster.

Samsung seems well aware of this weakness. Recent findings in a leaked One UI 9 build suggest the company is exploring a software-based fix. And, by the looks of it, the solution is not limited to the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8, but also the rumored Galaxy Wide Fold.

Code strings discovered by Android Authority in the leaked One UI 9 build point to a Foreign Material Detection feature designed to warn users before damage occurs.

Interestingly, the strings were accompanied by rough renders of three upcoming foldables: the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the so-called Galaxy Wide Fold.

According to the findings, the Foreign Material Detection alert would trigger if the phone fails to fold completely. The warning message reads:

There is no indication of additional hardware at play. The system appears to rely solely on detecting whether the device is fully closed. It cannot confirm whether the obstruction is debris or simply user handling.

Thankfully, the code strings suggest that the system can be turned off. And regardless, it's a good start. Better than no Foreign Material Detection system at all.

And lastly, since the system doesn't seem to require any extra hardware or special sensors, it could potentially be released retroactively on older Galaxy foldable phones through future One UI updates.