3 minute read

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 runs 16 apps on its cover screen out of the box, and Samsung’s Good Lock MultiStar module still covers everything else. The Flip 8 went on sale August 7, 2026, and it prompts you to set up MultiStar from the cover screen itself. Here is what is supported and how to add the rest.

Checked October 16, 2026. Samsung changes the cover screen app list through updates, so confirm against your phone.

Apps supported out of the box

Android Authority reports that Samsung supports 16 apps on the Flip 8 cover screen. Twelve are Samsung system apps that appear fully optimized for the cover screen, and they live in a native app drawer built for it: Bixby, Samsung Browser, Calculator, Calendar, Camera, Clock, Contacts, Gallery, Samsung Health, Notes, Phone and Voice Recorder.

The other four are third-party apps: Google Maps, Google Messages, Netflix and YouTube. They are grouped under Labs, which Android Authority says means Samsung endorses running them on the small screen but you may still run into issues. Labs apps also get the aspect ratio button described below.

Samsung’s own Flip 8 page describes how the app tray works on One UI 9. In its how-to, you swipe up from the cover screen’s lock screen to open the app tray and use an Add apps button to find more. Long-pressing an empty space on the home screen lets you edit your favorite apps. Samsung notes that the video is simulated and the actual interface may differ.

What is new on the Flip 8

  • MultiStar setup from the cover screen. Earlier Flips prompted you to install MultiStar only from the cover screen settings with the phone unfolded. Android Authority says the Flip 8 puts the prompt on the cover screen itself.
  • Built-in aspect ratio button. One UI 9 on the Flip 8 includes a button at the bottom of the cover screen for switching between full-screen, portrait (left, right or center) and square layouts. Android Authority confirms it works with official apps, Labs apps and unsupported apps you have enabled through MultiStar. On the Flip 7 the button needed MultiStar and did not cover Labs apps.
  • More One UI 9 additions. The same article lists per-screen auto-rotate lock and per-app zoom controls among notable features spotted on Samsung’s new foldables. It does not say that these are specific to the Flip 8.
  • Possible Flip 7 update. Android Authority says it was told this experience is coming to the Flip 7, and that it is unclear whether other older Flips will get it.

How to add any app with MultiStar

For apps outside the supported list, use MultiStar, a module inside Samsung’s Good Lock suite. The steps below match Samsung’s own instructions for the Flip 5 and its developer documentation. They were not checked on a Flip 8, so menu names may differ.

  1. Install Good Lock from the Galaxy Store. If the Flip 8 shows a MultiStar prompt on the cover screen, you can start there instead.
  2. Install MultiStar. In Good Lock, open the Life Up tab, find MultiStar and install it.
  3. Pick your apps. Open MultiStar, tap I ♡ Galaxy Foldable, choose Launcher Widget, and enable it. Select the apps you want on the cover screen.
  4. Add the widget. According to Samsung’s cover screen widget guide, you can customize cover screen widgets under Settings, Cover screen, Widgets.

Then close the phone, wake the cover screen and swipe to the Launcher widget. Samsung’s guide adds that apps found through Labs and Good Lock are not officially supported, so they may not work as expected when launched from the cover screen.

Apps built only for full-screen layouts may need scrolling or the aspect ratio button. For quick tasks like checking a map or replying to a message, that is usually enough to avoid unfolding the phone.

Takeaway

Check the native list and the Labs section first, since most daily apps are already covered. Add MultiStar only for the apps that are missing. Use the built-in aspect ratio button before you go hunting for settings in MultiStar.

Sources:

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