Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 series is enhancing one of its most helpful AI features. Now, Nudge can open suggested apps directly in split-screen view, making the most of the foldable’s expansive inner display, which smaller phones can’t compete with.
What Is Now Nudge, Exactly?
Now Nudge is a feature in Samsung’s One UI software that tracks your actions on the phone and offers timely suggestions. Think of it as a smart shortcut — if you’re reading a recipe, it might prompt you to open a timer. If you’re discussing a restaurant, it might suggest launching Maps.
On older devices, tapping that nudge would simply open the suggested app, replacing whatever you were already viewing. It was handy, but a bit clunky. With the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, this feature recognizes the larger screen. Instead of switching apps, Now Nudge can place the suggested app right alongside your current app in split view, allowing you to see both at once.
This change makes a lot of sense. The primary selling point of a foldable phone is that spacious display. Features like this make it more useful in everyday situations, rather than just for binge-watching videos.
How Multi-Window Now Nudge Works in Practice
Here’s a practical scenario: You’re reading a news article about a movie, and Now Nudge detects the title. Instead of taking you away to a streaming app, it opens that app on the right side while your article remains on the left. You get both context and action simultaneously.
Samsung has been steadily enhancing its multi-window capabilities on foldable devices, and this update feels like a natural progression. The Z Fold 8 series operates on One UI 9 (Samsung’s latest Android skin), which Android Authority confirmed exclusively brings the updated Now Nudge functionality to the Fold lineup at launch.
What Else Is New on the Z Fold 8 Series
The improved Now Nudge isn’t the only feature the new Fold series offers. Samsung also introduced “My FanCam,” a tool that lets you crop and reframe your video around a specific subject after recording. This is great if you wanted to focus on someone in a crowd but missed the mark while filming.
Additionally, the Z Fold 8 series is the first to use silicon-carbon (Si-C) batteries in Galaxy phones. These batteries store more energy in the same space compared to traditional lithium-ion cells, resulting in better battery life without making the phone bulkier.
If you’re considering a purchase, trade-in values reach a maximum of $1,200, no matter which Z Fold 8 model you’re trading in for, according to 9to5Google.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Models in series | 2 (Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra) |
| Max trade-in value | $1,200 (either model) |
| Battery type | Silicon-carbon (Si-C) — first in Galaxy lineup |
| Software | One UI 9 |
| Now Nudge multi-window | Z Fold 8 series exclusive at launch |
What This Means for Everyday Users
If you’re unsure whether a foldable phone is worth the extra cost over a traditional flagship, updates like this multi-window Now Nudge make a strong case. The large screen becomes much more practical when the software utilizes it smartly without requiring any manual setup.
For current foldable users upgrading from a Z Fold 6 or earlier, this iterative improvement adds up. You’re not just getting one big leap forward — you’re receiving several features that ease daily usage. Together, they make the phone feel like it’s working with you instead of just offering a larger version of the same interface.
If you’re new to foldables, the My FanCam video reframing and the AI-powered Now Nudge suggestions make it easier to get started. You don’t have to be a tech whiz to take advantage of these features.
Community Reactions
“The fact that Now Nudge actually uses the split screen instead of just launching an app is what I’ve wanted since the Fold 4. Took them long enough but glad it’s finally here.”
“My FanCam is lowkey the most underrated feature they announced. I can’t tell you how many concert videos I’ve ruined because someone walked in front of me at the wrong moment.”
What To Watch
- One UI 9 rollout: Samsung One UI 9 has launched on the new foldables, but Galaxy S26 owners are still waiting for their update. Keep an eye on Samsung’s rollout schedule as it expands to older devices in the coming weeks.
- Third-party case availability: Spigen has already announced cases for the Z Fold 8 with two different protection options, including full hinge coverage. More accessories from other brands are expected to follow through August.
- Now Nudge on other devices: It remains to be seen whether Samsung will extend the multi-window Now Nudge feature to older foldables through a software update. There hasn’t been any announcement regarding backward compatibility for this feature.
- Si-C battery real-world results: Independent battery life tests for the Z Fold 8 series are anticipated as review units reach journalists. Those results will show how much the new battery technology improves overall endurance.
Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a digital culture journalist at Explosion.com covering social media platforms, streaming services, and the creator economy. With 4 years reporting on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and the apps that shape daily life, Ava specializes in explaining platform policy changes and their impact on everyday users. She previously managed social media strategy for a tech startup, giving her firsthand experience with the platforms she now covers.
