Katarzyna Petru
Samsung may be preparing a completely new type of foldable smartphone that will expand its offering and at the same time position the company directly against the long-awaited foldable iPhone. According to reports from South Korea, the manufacturer is working on a device provisionally referred to as “Wide Fold”. The information comes from the site Etnews, 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 these changes seems particularly interesting.
Wider Screen Instead of a Narrow "Notebook"
The most important difference compared to current Galaxy Z Fold models is expected to be the screen ratio. According to the report, Wide Fold will have a 7.6-inch internal display and a 5.4-inch external display. However, the key is the format – when unfolded, the screen is supposed to have a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is much closer to a tablet than to an elongated smartphone.
This is 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, as well as reduce issues with improper app scaling. 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 surface. For months, the industry has speculated that Apple will present its first foldable iPhone as early as September 2026. According to previous reports, the Apple device is expected to feature a display with a diagonal of around 7.7 inches and an aspect ratio very close to 4:3. If this information is confirmed, the foldable smartphone market will for the first time become a battleground for direct competition between two giants. Samsung has so far dominated the foldable segment, but Apple's entry could lend 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 merely an internal project name or an actual product brand. However, if Samsung indeed decides to take such a step, it could signify the biggest change in the company's foldable smartphone philosophy in years. Instead of 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 showcases new foldable models in the summer or early fall, so a potential debut in 2026 would fit perfectly within this schedule. For now, we have to watch whether the "Wide Fold" becomes a real product – and if it will be the one to open a new chapter in the history of foldable smartphones.
