Katarzyna Petru
Samsung may be preparing a completely new type of foldable smartphone that will expand its offerings and set the company in direct contrast to the long-awaited foldable iPhone. According to reports from South Korea, the manufacturer is working on a device tentatively referred to as “Wide Fold”. The information comes from the Etnews website, and its content suggests that the new model could debut in the second half of 2026. Samsung has not officially confirmed the existence of the project and did not respond to a request for comment, but the direction of change seems particularly interesting.
Wider screen instead of a narrow "notebook"
The most significant difference compared to the current Galaxy Z Fold models is expected to be the screen ratio. According to the report, the Wide Fold will feature a 7.6-inch internal screen and a 5.4-inch external display. However, the key aspect is the format – when unfolded, the screen is intended to have a 4:3 ratio, making it much closer to a tablet than an elongated smartphone.
This marks a departure from the previous philosophy of the Galaxy Z Fold, which has been criticized for its narrow and tall internal screen for years. A wider format could significantly improve the comfort of reading, browsing the internet, working with documents, or editing photos, and reduce issues with improper scaling of applications. In practice, this would mean a foldable smartphone that, when unfolded, actually behaves like a compact tablet, rather than a compromise between two forms.
Case or response to Apple?
Especially intriguing is the moment when these reports emerge. For months, the industry has speculated that Apple will unveil its first folding iPhone as early as September 2026. According to previous reports, the Apple device is expected to offer a screen with a diagonal of around 7.7 inches and an aspect ratio very close to 4:3. If these reports are confirmed, the folding smartphone market will for the first time become a battleground for a direct clash between two giants. Samsung has so far dominated the foldable segment, but Apple's entry could give this category an entirely new scale and credibility in the eyes of the mass audience.
Many unknowns, one clear direction
At this stage, it is not known how much the Wide Fold would cost, what specifications it will offer, or whether it will hit global markets. It is also unclear whether "Wide Fold" is just an internal project name or the actual product brand. However, if Samsung does decide to take this step, it could mean the biggest change in the company's foldable smartphone philosophy in years. Rather than another iteration of the same idea, the Wide Fold could be an attempt to redefine what a foldable should be in everyday use.
Traditionally, Samsung presents new foldable models in the summer or early autumn, so a potential debut in 2026 would fit perfectly into this schedule. For now, we must wait to see if "Wide Fold" will become a real product – and whether it will indeed open a new chapter in the history of foldable smartphones.
