Samsung is reportedly developing a new foldable phone, internally called the “Wide Fold,” set to launch in the second half of 2026. This device could reshape the foldable market by introducing a wider, more tablet-like display – and potentially setting up a direct competition with Apple’s anticipated foldable iPhone.
Wider Display, New Use Cases
The key innovation of the Wide Fold lies in its screen dimensions. When unfolded, it’s expected to feature a 7.6-inch internal display, paired with a 5.4-inch external screen when closed. Critically, the internal screen will adopt a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is notably wider and squarer than the elongated displays currently used in Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup.
This design shift isn’t just about bigger screens. A wider aspect ratio offers a more natural experience for tasks like reading, browsing, document editing, and viewing photos – essentially making the phone function more like a compact tablet. It also addresses the awkward stretching and reformatting that often occur with apps on narrower foldable screens.
Apple’s Foldable Device Looms
The timing of Samsung’s Wide Fold development is significant. Rumors suggest Apple is also preparing its first foldable iPhone for a potential release in September 2026, with a similar 7.7-inch unfolded display and a comparable 4:3 aspect ratio. If both companies launch devices with these specifications around the same time, it would mark the first real head-to-head competition in the foldable market.
Currently, Samsung dominates the foldable space, but Apple’s entry could legitimize the format for mainstream consumers. This competition could accelerate innovation and push down prices, making foldables more accessible.
What Remains Unknown
Despite the report, key details remain undisclosed. Pricing, camera specifications, processor details, and global availability are still unknown. It’s also unclear if “Wide Fold” is a codename or the final product name. Samsung typically reveals new foldables at its Galaxy events in the summer or fall, so the Wide Fold may appear alongside other Galaxy devices in 2026.
The Wide Fold represents a potential turning point for foldable phones, pushing beyond the current narrow-screen designs and preparing for a future where foldables compete directly with Apple’s rumored entry.
