Samsung Develops Wider and Shorter Foldable Smartphone Set to Compete with Apple’s iPhone Fold in 2026
Samsung is actively working on a new foldable device that features a wider and shorter design compared to previous models, according to Korean news outlet ETNews. The upcoming “Wide Fold” aims to rival Apple’s anticipated iPhone Fold, expected to launch in September 2026.
Design and Display Details
Samsung's current Galaxy Z Fold7 has a 6.5-inch display when closed and an 8-inch screen when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio folded and 20:18 when unfolded. These dimensions have remained consistent across prior Galaxy Z Fold devices.
In comparison, rumors about Apple's iPhone Fold suggest a device measuring 5.3 to 5.5 inches when closed and approximately 7.5 to 7.8 inches when open, adopting a squatter, wider form factor with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
Samsung’s “Wide Fold” will feature a 7.6-inch display when fully open and a 5.4-inch display when folded, maintaining the 4:3 aspect ratio. Its near-square shape is expected to offer a more comfortable grip, similar to holding a notebook, unlike the taller, narrower designs of previous folds.
Release Timeline and Market Competition
ETNews reports that Samsung plans to unveil this wider foldable smartphone in the fall of 2026, coinciding with the launch of Apple’s iPhone Fold. This new device will complement Samsung’s next-generation Galaxy Fold, totaling two foldable phones, in addition to a flip-style device.
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Stay tuned for more updates on Apple's and Samsung's upcoming devices and tech innovations!