Samsung’s ‘Wide Fold’ Aims to Outpace iPhone Fold (Image Update)
▼ Summary
– Samsung is reportedly developing two Fold devices for 2026, including one called the “Wide Fold” with a wider folding screen.
– The Wide Fold is expected to have a shorter vertical and longer horizontal screen ratio when folded, aiming for an internal 18:18 aspect ratio.
– This device is believed to be a response to Apple’s rumored iPhone Fold, which also features a squat design.
– An unofficial fan image suggests the Wide Fold may have a more compact cover display, though its square aspect ratio may not be ideal for video.
– Samsung plans to finalize the Wide Fold’s specifications by the end of September or early October 2025, with a launch expected in the second half of 2026.
Samsung is reportedly developing two new foldable devices set for release in 2026, with one model potentially introducing a wider folding screen design. This move is widely seen as a strategic response to Apple’s anticipated entry into the foldable market with its own iPhone Fold.
A recent fan-made rendering shared by tipster Ice Universe offers a glimpse of what Samsung’s so-called “Wide Fold” might look like. The unofficial image suggests a more compact cover display, though questions remain about how the nearly square internal screen would handle video content, given its unconventional aspect ratio for standard media formats.
Earlier reports indicate that Samsung’s upcoming Wide Fold model will depart significantly from the current Galaxy Z Fold 7’s tall, narrow form factor. Instead, the device is expected to feature a design that is shorter vertically and wider horizontally when folded. Industry sources suggest the internal display could achieve an almost perfect 18:18 aspect ratio by combining two 18:9 panels, creating a more balanced and versatile screen.
This shift in design philosophy appears to be a direct counter to Apple’s rumored iPhone Fold, which is also expected to adopt a wider, more squat profile. While Samsung wouldn’t be the first to explore this form factor, Google’s Pixel Fold and OPPO’s Find N series previously offered similar designs, the company’s scale and influence could help popularize the wider foldable format.
Previous wide foldables have been praised for their compact folded size and improved multitasking capabilities due to the landscape-oriented screen. However, a common criticism has been the lack of app optimization for such unusual aspect ratios. It remains to be seen whether Samsung and app developers will better support this format if the Wide Fold comes to market.
Specifications for the new device are expected to be finalized by the end of September or early October, with a launch likely in the second half of 2026 alongside Samsung’s other foldable offerings.
(Source: Android Authority)
