One UI 6.1.1 has a solution to years-old UI scaling annoyance on foldable devices

Samsung’s latest One UI 6.1.1 update, which debuted on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, finally addresses a long-standing issue that has plagued foldable devices since their inception. The new “Narrow view” feature offers a clever workaround for apps that haven’t been optimized for the larger, folding displays.

For years, users of foldable phones have struggled with apps that don’t quite fit the unique form factor. While most apps can scale to fill the screen, some fail to keep their content neatly within the display’s boundaries. This has been particularly noticeable on social media platforms like X, where tweets with both text and images often extend beyond the visible area.

Enter the “Narrow view” option, first spotted by SamMobile. Users can now access this feature by tapping an app’s icon in the recent apps screen. When activated, it forces the app to display as it would on a standard smartphone screen, ensuring all content remains visible without awkward cropping or overflow.

This solution isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s a functional improvement for daily use. The narrowed view can be shifted to the left or right side of the screen, enhancing one-handed operation. It’s also a godsend for apps that only support landscape orientation on foldables, effectively allowing users to force a portrait mode.

While the “Narrow view” option isn’t a perfect fix (there’s still unused space on either side of the app window), it’s a welcome band-aid for a problem that has persisted despite foldables being on the market since 2019. The feature is expected to roll out to older Galaxy Z Fold models with the One UI 6.1.1 update later this year.

It’s worth noting that this is a persistent setting. Once enabled, an app will continue to open in narrow mode until the user manually switches back to full-screen view through the recent apps menu. While it may not be the ideal long-term solution, it’s a clever stopgap that makes foldables more user-friendly right now.

While the “Narrow view” feature is a headline-grabbing addition, One UI 6.1.1 brings a host of other improvements, particularly in the camera and AI departments. Samsung has reportedly confirmed that many of these features will be made available to current devices through future updates.

Owners of recent Samsung flagships can look forward to several exciting additions. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 will receive the Auto Zoom feature for Flex Camera mode and Flex Camcorder mode. Instant slow-mo video sharing is coming to the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Galaxy S23, and Galaxy Tab S9 series. Generative AI features like Portrait Studio, Sketch to Image, and Live Effect will be available on a wide range of devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold 4/5, Galaxy S22/23/24, Galaxy S23 FE, and Galaxy Tab S8/9 lineups.