Apple’s long-rumoured iPhone Fold may still be over the horizon, but Samsung appears keen to make sure it does not surrender its early lead in the foldable phone market.
According to a new report, the South Korean electronics giant is developing yet another foldable device, this time with a noticeably wider design that could be positioned as a direct rival to Apple’s first foldable handset.
The device is being referred to, at least for now, as the Samsung Wide Fold, though the final name remains unclear. A report from Korean outlet Etnews says the phone will feature a 7.6-inch internal display when unfolded, paired with a 4:3 aspect ratio. An external screen measuring 5.4 inches is also planned, an “industry insider familiar with the matter” told the publication.
While the internal display size would be slightly smaller than Samsung’s current flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which features an 8-inch screen, the key change lies in the proportions. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 uses a near-square aspect ratio of roughly 3:33.3, whereas the reported 4:3 ratio on the Wide Fold would make the device feel more like a conventional tablet when opened flat.
That design choice is notable because it mirrors what has been rumoured for Apple’s foldable iPhone. The iPhone Fold, expected to be Apple’s first entry into the category, is also said to feature a 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded.
If accurate, Samsung’s move could be interpreted as a strategic attempt to get ahead of Apple by offering a similar form factor first.
Samsung already maintains one of the most diverse foldable line-ups in the market. Alongside the book-style Galaxy Z Fold 7, the company also sells the flip-style Galaxy Z Flip 7, aimed at users who prefer compact designs.
In addition, Samsung has experimented with more unconventional formats, including the Galaxy Z TriFold, a tri-folding phone that already comes close to a 4:3 screen ratio when fully opened.
With that context, introducing yet another foldable model could risk confusing consumers. However, the approach suggests Samsung is willing to experiment aggressively as competition intensifies. The company appears prepared to test multiple designs at once, refining its strategy based on what gains traction.
The timing is also significant. Both Samsung’s Wide Fold and Apple’s iPhone Fold are widely expected to arrive in 2026. If that proves accurate, next year could mark a turning point for foldable devices, pushing them further into the mainstream.
For Samsung, launching a wider foldable ahead of Apple’s debut could reinforce its reputation as the category’s pioneer. For consumers, it may signal the start of a new phase in foldable design, one that prioritises tablet-like experiences without sacrificing portability. If 2026 truly becomes the year of foldables, Samsung is clearly intent on making sure it leads the conversation.
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