Optimize your apps for the next generation of Samsung Galaxy devices

Samsung announced its newest foldable and wearable devices during Galaxy Unpacked 2026, signaling an expansion of the range of form factors, screen sizes and device postures that developers must support in their apps. To help app creators adapt to these changes, Samsung has released new guidance and tools.

One significant change is the introduction of landscape-first natural orientation in devices like the Galaxy Z Fold8, which has a wider aspect ratio in its main display state. The variety of aspect ratios and form factors developers need to cater to is expanding, making it essential to rethink layout architecture for dynamic displays.

To assist developers, Samsung has provided dedicated guidance for building applications that work well with landscape foldables and trifolds, including videos explaining trifolds and landscape foldables. The company also encourages developers to build fluid, adaptive layouts that can handle wide aspect ratios and compact vertical heights.

This can be achieved by first considering the window class width when determining layout changes, then adjusting for height. Utilizing flexible containers that allow content to automatically wrap, span, and reflow is crucial for ensuring content adapts seamlessly to the grid.

Another key aspect is tracking actual app space, as display space rarely matches physical device size, especially on ultra-wide screens during multi-window, split-screen, or multitasking states. Developers should leverage Window Size Classes and the Jetpack Window Manager library to calculate the exact space their app occupies.

By focusing on these core pillars - fluid, adaptive layouts, tracking actual app space, and leveraging Window Size Classes - developers can create responsive UIs that handle the physics of dynamic displays seamlessly and provide users with a flawless experience, regardless of the device they are using.