A leak regarding the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 suggests a disappointing set of absent features.

      Samsung's upcoming foldable device might be focusing on refinement once more, indicating that significant upgrades are still ahead. A recent leak from a reputable source, Ice Universe, suggests that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series will lack three major enhancements that could have made Samsung’s next flagship foldable much more appealing. This might cause the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to lag behind the anticipated iPhone Fold.

      According to the leak, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series will not feature a Privacy screen, will not support the S Pen, and there won't be much improvement in the crease.— Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) May 20, 2026

      The absence of the S Pen is particularly disappointing.

      Many power users will likely feel the absence of S Pen support most acutely. Samsung’s notebook-style folding phones have traditionally been suited for note-taking and productivity due to their tablet-like inner displays. A device that expands into a larger screen intuitively seems like it should be compatible with a stylus.

      However, it appears Samsung intends to keep the S Pen out of the Fold 8 series. This could be primarily due to design considerations, as incorporating S Pen support requires additional display hardware, which contributes to thickness and complexity. Samsung is concentrating on making its foldables thinner and lighter; thus, forgoing the stylus might be a valid trade-off to enhance the device's comfort in the hand.

      No privacy screen is also a letdown.

      The leak further indicates that the Fold 8 series will not include a privacy screen, which is unfortunate since foldable phones are often used in public settings. A built-in privacy display would be beneficial for a device of this size, preventing nearby individuals from eavesdropping on sensitive information, particularly when the inner screen is fully extended.

      The crease may still be an issue.

      Finally, regarding the crease, while foldable displays have made considerable progress over time, the crease remains a significant indicator that this technology isn't fully refined. Ice Universe reports that the crease won’t see much improvement in the Fold 8 series. Despite rumors suggesting the iPhone Fold might have a crease-free screen similar to the Oppo Find N6, Samsung's forthcoming foldable may miss out on this significant upgrade for flexible displays.