Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch

[MacRumors]

Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026.

Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18 aspect ratio when open. Samsung has used a similar size for its prior Z Fold devices.

Rumors suggest the iPhone Fold's display will measure in at 5.3 to 5.5 inches when closed, and 7.5 to 7.8 inches when open (rumors vary). It's squatter and wider than Samsung's taller, narrower design, with a 4:3 aspect ratio when open.

Samsung's "Wide Fold" will coincidentally feature a 7.6-inch display when open, and a 5.4-inch display when closed. It's also expected to have a 4:3 aspect ratio, making it noticeably different than prior models because of the more square shape.

The wider 4:3 aspect ratio is expected to be more comfortable to hold than a taller device, similar to a notebook.

ETNews says that Samsung plans to release its wider foldable device in the fall of 2026, which is also when the iPhone Fold will be coming out. The wide fold will join the next-generation Galaxy Fold for a total of two "Fold" devices, plus there will be a flip device.

Article Link: Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch

 

[Zorn]

Guess that's just the risk you accept when your primary parts supplier is a prolific plagiarist.

 

[CharlesShaw]

And Samsung will also stop selling foldable smartphones shortly after Apple discontinues their foldable iPhone. /s

 

[christianXO]

Guess that's just the risk you accept when your primary parts supplier is a prolific plagiarist.

Yes, because it is Apple who has been releasing foldables since 2019?😂

 

[hieranonymous]

It’s a shame Apple’s LuxVue acquisition hasn’t borne fruit. In this instance, it’s absolutely at the mercy of Samsung.

 

[canadianreader]

IIRC they did a better job at copying the rumored AIR much better than Apple.

 

[DBZmusicboy01]

4:3 aspect ratio will be horrendous for one handed use. iPhone XX will be the true iPhone upgrade we are waiting for.

 

[DavidLeblond]

So they have a "flip" style phone, a "book" style phone, a "pamphlet" style phone... now going to add whatever this one is. Are they going to release one next that folds into an origami crane?

 

[Nyx1]

Aspect 4:3 is not good i though Apple they gonna make 16:10 when open and close its from the leak

 

[victorvictoria]

Had a flip phone 30 years ago. Hated it. Not going back.

 

[The Game 161]

i imagine though they may still have their current design as well as this. could be wrong though

 

[jz0309]

choices is a good thing ...

 

[HouseLannister]

Samsung developing, launching, and abandoning new product while Apple is figuring out how to tie their shoes.

 

[HouseLannister]

Guess that's just the risk you accept when your primary parts supplier is a prolific plagiarist.

They are both copying the original Pixel Fold... which was of course copying the Surface phone... which of course was just a spinoff of Courier...

 

[ProbablyDylan]

How are we calling it a copy of something that, for our intents and purposes, does not yet exist?

 

[rotvaldi]

Aspect 4:3 is not good i though Apple they gonna make 16:10 when open and close its from the leak

Ikr, they literally made an ipad Mini foldable.

 

[Eorlas]

i do love the idea of a fold device, but for the prices they're selling these things at it's just not justifiable...

 

[Sami13496]

Good. Then we can have like a teaser of the flop. Btw wtf is Wide Fold? They admit ”normal” fold isn’t useful?

 

[klasma]

It’s funny that that mockup picture with the virtual keyboard on one half makes less sense for a “wide” foldable.

 

[crazytrain]

Had a flip phone 30 years ago. Hated it. Not going back.

Whereas I had a Motorola Razr and loved it - choice is good

 

[klasma]

Had a flip phone 30 years ago. Hated it. Not going back.

Don’t worry, it will be a flop phone.

 

[sgtaylor5]

That looks like a copy of the Psion, without the actual keyboard...

 

[marblesbarkley]

someone needs to CLAMSHELL ME

clamshell phones are the most satisfying, nerds

 

[MarkNewton2023]

Samsung smart business move!! At least consumers who prefer android will be able to choose foldable model they like. This wide fold option is to target the ones who like the form. Personally, the Trifold size is the one that stands out on Samsung foldable options that could tempt anyone who prefers larger display similar or closer to the iPhone Pro Max when the phone is folded to other choices . I would not choose Samsung if they only produce wide option foldable but will choose Apple upcoming wide fold instead. However, Apple and Samsung wide fold display is too small for me compared to Trifold display when folded. The Fold Z tablet display is okay size, not big enough for me. So, Trifold is the one I will get as its unfolded display is closer or similar to regular 10 inches tablet or iPad.

 

[klasma]

4:3 aspect ratio will be horrendous for one handed use. iPhone XX will be the true iPhone upgrade we are waiting for.

Note that a 4:3 aspect ratio when open means a 2:3 aspect ratio when closed, same as the original iPhone. The actual problem regarding one-handed use is that it’s too big.