# Increased Functionality for Samsung’s “Flex Window” After Users Expressed the Need for Greater Flexibility
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip lineup has revolutionized the foldable smartphone sector, yet the “Flex Window” feature, launched with the Galaxy Z Flip 5 in 2023, left many users seeking enhancements. The Flex Window serves as a secondary display on the exterior of the clamshell device, providing quick access to key applications and functionalities without needing to open the phone. Nevertheless, the initial launch received some backlash over its restricted capabilities. Now, it appears that additional support is on the horizon, with YouTube Music potentially enhancing this user experience.
## Key Points to Consider
– **YouTube Music is said to be developing “Flex Window” support for Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series.**
– **The upcoming widget is expected to provide convenient playback options, including play/pause and skip forward/back controls, directly on the cover display.**
– **When Samsung introduced the “Flex Window” in 2023, it was evident that it required more versatility, as users were confined to a “curated, optimized experience.”**
## The Flex Window: A Promising Concept That Required More Flexibility
Upon the release of the Galaxy Z Flip 5, Samsung showcased the “Flex Window” as an essential feature. This cover display was meant to let users engage with their phones without unfolding them. Initially, the Flex Window was compatible with a few apps, such as Google Messages, Samsung Messages, WhatsApp, YouTube, Netflix, and Google Maps. However, users soon discovered that the overall experience was rather limited. They couldn’t access any app they desired, and the functionality was restricted to what Samsung labeled as a “curated, optimized experience.”
Though the concept of the Flex Window was appealing, users craved greater control and adaptability. To remedy this, Samsung offered a workaround via its Good Lock app launcher, enabling users to launch almost any app on the cover display. Nonetheless, this solution fell short of the seamless experience many anticipated.
## Is YouTube Music the Solution?
Recent APK analysis of the YouTube Music app (version 7.24.51) by [Android Authority](https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-music-now-playing-widget-galaxy-z-flip-cover-display-apk-teardown-3492702/) reveals hints that YouTube Music is developing a widget specifically tailored for Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series. The app’s code includes a mention of a “FlipWidgetProvider,” suggesting that YouTube Music will soon introduce a widget for the Flex Window.
Once this widget is launched, users will gain access to basic music controls—such as play, pause, skip forward, and skip back—directly from the cover display. This feature would empower users to manage their music without unfolding their phone, greatly enhancing the usability of the Flex Window for daily tasks.
The widget is anticipated to be accessible through **Settings > Cover Screen > Widgets** when it becomes available. This would bring the Galaxy Z Flip series closer to the functionality seen in standard slab phones like the Galaxy S24, which already provides similar widgets on their home screens.
## Broadening the Capabilities of the Flex Window
The incorporation of YouTube Music support marks a progressive move for Samsung’s Flex Window. It indicates that third-party developers are beginning to recognize the potential of this feature and are actively working to expand its functionality. While the Flex Window initially allowed only a select number of apps, the addition of further widgets and app integrations could transform it into a much more adaptable tool for users.
Samsung’s initial decision to restrict the Flex Window’s capabilities at launch may have been a cautious strategy to guarantee a refined user experience, yet it’s evident that users desire more. The capability to manage music, respond to messages, and even view videos without opening the phone represents a significant selling point for the Galaxy Z Flip series. By enhancing the Flex Window’s functionality, Samsung can make its foldable devices even more attractive to a wider audience.
## What Lies Ahead for the Flex Window?
While the YouTube Music widget signifies a promising advancement, it remains uncertain how extensively Samsung will further develop the Flex Window’s capabilities. Will other popular applications, such as Spotify, Instagram, or productivity tools like Google Docs, eventually be accessible on the cover display? Only time will reveal the answer.
Currently, it seems plausible that the YouTube Music widget will debut on the Galaxy Z Flip 6, and possibly the Flip 5 as well. However, it’s unclear whether older models in the Flip series will benefit from the same support. Samsung typically prioritizes new features for its latest devices first, so users with older models may have to wait or consider upgrading to fully experience the enhanced potential of the Flex Window.
## The Future of Foldable Smartphones
As foldable smartphones continue
