Samsung ‘Wide Fold’ to Challenge Apple’s Foldable in 2026
▼ Summary
– Apple’s first foldable iPhone and Samsung’s competing “Wide Fold” are both rumored to launch in Fall 2026.
– Both devices are expected to have similar unfolded display sizes (7.6-7.7 inches) and a 4:3 aspect ratio.
– The 4:3 screen ratio is better for tasks like reading documents or photo editing but creates black bars for standard video.
– Apple’s foldable is reported to have a 5.3-inch outer screen that unfolds to 7.7 inches, resembling a wide iPad in landscape.
– Samsung’s Wide Fold is expected to have a 5.4-inch outer screen unfolding to 7.6 inches, described as a “passport” type device.
The competitive landscape for foldable smartphones is set to intensify, with Samsung reportedly preparing a new “Wide Fold” model to directly challenge Apple’s anticipated entry into the market. According to industry reports from South Korea, both tech giants are targeting a 2026 release for devices that share remarkably similar specifications. This strategic move suggests a head-to-head battle is brewing over the ideal form factor for the next generation of mobile devices.
A recent machine-translated report from ET News indicates Samsung’s device will feature an OLED display measuring 5.4 inches when folded and expanding to 7.6 inches when opened. Crucially, the unfolded screen will adopt a “passport” style with a 4:3 aspect ratio. This design choice appears to be a direct response to intelligence about Apple’s plans. Last week, a separate report from The Information suggested Apple’s foldable iPhone will have a 5.3-inch cover display that unfolds to 7.7 inches, with an aspect ratio comparable to its largest iPads in landscape mode, making it wider than it is tall.
This focus on a wider, squarer screen represents a significant shift. The 4:3 ratio is considered superior for productivity and content creation, offering a better experience for reading documents, editing photos, or working on design projects. However, this benefit comes with a trade-off for media consumption. Watching traditional widescreen videos on such a display results in prominent black bars at the top and bottom, an issue already observed on Samsung’s current Galaxy Z Fold models. The latest rumors align with earlier speculation, including comments from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who previously suggested Apple’s device might resemble two iPhone displays joined together.
With both companies apparently converging on a similar vision for screen size and proportion, the 2026 launch window is shaping up to be a pivotal moment. The competition will likely hinge not just on the hardware, but on how each company’s software and ecosystem adapts to maximize the potential of this distinctive form factor, turning its inherent compromises into compelling user advantages.
(Source: The Verge)
