Katarzyna Petru
Samsung may be preparing a completely new type of foldable smartphone that will expand its offering and simultaneously position the company in direct opposition to the long-awaited foldable iPhone. According to reports from South Korea, the manufacturer is working on a device tentatively dubbed “Wide Fold”. The information comes from the Etnews service, 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 has not responded to a request for comment, but the very direction of the changes seems exceptionally interesting.
A wider screen instead of a narrow "notebook"
The most significant difference compared to the current Galaxy Z Fold models is set to be the screen ratio. According to the report, the Wide Fold will feature a 7.6-inch internal display and a 5.4-inch external display. However, the key aspect is the format – when opened, the screen is expected to have a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is much more similar to a tablet than an elongated smartphone.
This marks a departure from the existing philosophy of the Galaxy Z Fold, which has long been criticised for its narrow and tall internal screen. A wider format could significantly improve the comfort of reading, browsing the internet, working with documents, or editing photos, as well as reduce issues related to improper scaling of applications. In practice, this would mean a foldable smartphone that, when opened, truly behaves like a compact tablet, rather than a compromise between two forms.
Coincidence or a response from Apple?
Particularly intriguing is the moment at which these reports emerge. For months, the industry has speculated that Apple will showcase its first folding iPhone as early as September 2026. According to earlier reports, the Apple device is expected to feature a screen diagonal of approximately 7.7 inches and aspect ratios very close to 4:3. If these details are confirmed, the market for foldable smartphones will, for the first time, become a stage for a direct clash between two giants. Until now, Samsung has dominated the fold segment, but Apple's entry could bring this category a completely new scale and credibility in the eyes of the mass audience.
Many unknowns, one clear direction
For now, it is unclear how much the Wide Fold would cost, what specifications it will offer, or whether it will reach global markets. It is also not clear whether "Wide Fold" is solely an internal project name or an actual product brand. However, if Samsung does decide to take this step, it could signify the biggest change in the company’s philosophy on foldable smartphones in years. Rather than yet another iteration of the same idea, the Wide Fold could be an attempt to redefine what a foldable is meant to 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 timeline. For now, we must observe whether the "Wide Fold" will become a tangible product – and whether it will be the one to open a new chapter in the history of foldable smartphones.
