Samsung Prepares a New Foldable Direction

Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that departs from its familiar tall design. According to a report by Korean publication ETNews, the company is developing a device internally referred to as the Wide Fold. The move signals a noticeable change in how Samsung is approaching foldable form factors after several years of sticking to a narrow, book-like design.

So far, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series has focused on vertical usability when closed. While this approach helped differentiate its foldables early on, changing user expectations and upcoming competition appear to be influencing new design decisions.

What Makes the Wide Fold Different

Samsung’s current Galaxy Z Fold7 features a 6.5-inch cover display and an 8-inch inner screen. When folded, it uses a tall 21:9 aspect ratio, while the unfolded display stretches close to a square shape. This formula has remained largely unchanged across generations.

The Wide Fold is expected to alter those proportions. Reports suggest the device will feature a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner panel. More importantly, the inner screen is expected to adopt a 4:3 aspect ratio. This results in a wider and more balanced display that looks closer to a compact notebook when opened.

The wider format is expected to improve comfort during reading, browsing, and multitasking, especially compared to taller foldable designs.

Apple’s iPhone Fold Sets the Timeline

Apple is widely expected to enter the foldable smartphone market in 2026. Leaks suggest the company’s first foldable iPhone will feature a shorter and wider design than Samsung’s current Fold models. The inner display is rumored to use a 4:3 aspect ratio, with sizes ranging between 7.5 and 7.8 inches.

Samsung’s Wide Fold closely aligns with these reported dimensions. The expected launch window also overlaps with Apple’s timeline, pointing to direct competition rather than coincidence. The development suggests Samsung is preparing for a more crowded and competitive foldable market.

Samsung’s Foldable Lineup in 2026

ETNews reports that Samsung plans to launch the Wide Fold in the second half of 2026. The device will join a next-generation Galaxy Fold, bringing the total number of Fold models to two. A Flip model will also remain part of Samsung’s lineup.

This broader portfolio allows Samsung to address different usage preferences while responding to new market dynamics. The Wide Fold appears positioned as an alternative rather than a replacement, offering users a different take on foldable usability as the segment evolves.