Samsung is preparing to bring one of its most sophisticated AI security tools to a much wider audience. Internal evidence suggests that the company’s next foldables will debut with Scam Detection, a Gemini-powered feature that was previously limited to a modest subset of users on the Galaxy S26 series.
The feature, developed in collaboration with Google, uses generative AI to analyze phone conversations in real time. By identifying suspicious patterns and linguistic cues common in fraudulent calls, the system warns users of potential scams before they can divulge sensitive information. While the tool has already seen a limited release for English-speaking users in the United States on the S26, the upcoming foldable launch appears to be the catalyst for a global expansion.
This move signals a shift in how Samsung is deploying its high-end AI capabilities. Rather than keeping “hero” features locked to a single flagship line, the company is integrating these protections across its diverse hardware portfolio, including the upcoming Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and a new “Wide Fold” variant.
The evidence in the code
The discovery comes from a recent APK teardown of the “Phone by Google” app (version 217.0.895016164-publicbeta-pixel). For those of us who have spent time in software engineering, these types of leaks are often the most reliable indicators of a company’s roadmap, as they reveal the specific hardware identifiers the software is being optimized for before the devices ever hit the assembly line.
The app’s code contains explicit references to three upcoming Samsung models: the SM-F976 (Galaxy Z Fold 8), the SM-F971 (Wide Fold), and the SM-F776 (Galaxy Z Flip 8). The inclusion of the “Wide Fold” identifier is particularly noteworthy, suggesting Samsung is diversifying its foldable form factors to compete with the evolving landscape of large-screen devices.
Beyond the model numbers, the code lists a variety of regional SKUs. These include “B” for global markets, “U” and “U1” for US carrier-locked and unlocked versions, “W” for Canada, and “C,” “Z,” and “Q” for other international territories. This comprehensive list strongly suggests that Samsung is not just bringing the feature to new hardware, but is actively preparing for a rollout that transcends the US market.
A gap in the global rollout?
While the list is extensive, there is one curious omission. The SM-F776B—the expected global variant of the Galaxy Z Flip 8—does not appear in the Scam Detection references. It remains unclear whether this is a simple oversight in the beta code or a strategic decision to limit the feature in certain markets for the Flip model specifically.
How Gemini-powered Scam Detection works
Scam Detection is part of a broader push by Google to integrate Gemini AI directly into the OS layer to solve real-world problems. Unlike traditional spam filters that rely on databases of known “awful” numbers, this system analyzes the actual content of the conversation.
The AI listens for “shady” patterns—such as urgent demands for payment via gift cards, requests for social security numbers, or the specific phrasing used in social engineering attacks. To address the significant privacy concerns associated with real-time call monitoring, the feature is designed to perform on-device. This means the audio analysis happens locally on the phone’s processor rather than being sent to a cloud server, ensuring that private conversations remain private.
This on-device processing requires significant NPU (Neural Processing Unit) power, which explains why the feature has been restricted to the most recent flagship chips found in the S26 and Pixel 9 and 10 series. By bringing this to Samsung’s next foldables, the company is leveraging the latest silicon to make high-end security a standard part of the foldable experience.
What this means for existing Galaxy users
The broader rollout for the foldables could have a positive ripple effect for current Galaxy S26 owners outside the US. Historically, Samsung has used new hardware launches as a springboard to push software updates to older, compatible devices. If the infrastructure for Scam Detection is finalized for a global launch in July 2026, it is highly probable that S26 users in Canada, Europe, and Asia will receive the feature via a software update shortly thereafter.
| Model | Model Number | Expected Status |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Fold 8 | SM-F976 | Included at launch |
| Galaxy Wide Fold | SM-F971 | Included at launch |
| Galaxy Z Flip 8 | SM-F776 | Included (Regional variants) |
| Galaxy S26 | Various | Currently US-exclusive |
The road to July 2026
Samsung is expected to officially unveil these devices at its Galaxy Unpacked event in July 2026. While the hardware specs—such as screen crease improvements and battery density—usually steal the headlines, the integration of real-time fraud protection represents a more practical evolution of the “AI Phone.”
As AI-generated voice clones and sophisticated phishing calls become more common, the transition from passive blocking to active, real-time analysis is a necessary step in mobile security. For users, it transforms the phone from a passive receiver of calls into an active guardian.
The next official confirmation of these features is expected during the Unpacked event in July 2026, where Samsung will likely detail the specific regions and languages supported at launch.
Do you think AI-powered call monitoring is a necessary security step or a privacy bridge too far? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
