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Samsung’s ‘Wide Fold’ set to rival Apple’s first foldable iPhone in 2026

by VARINDIA 2025-12-29

Samsung is reportedly working on a new foldable smartphone with a wider design that could directly compete with Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected to debut in 2026. According to a report by South Korea’s ET News, the device—internally referred to as the “Wide Fold”—signals a shift away from Samsung’s current foldable designs seen in the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series.

Unlike Samsung’s existing foldables, which feature tall and narrow displays, the upcoming model is expected to adopt a broader, more squared form factor. This design approach closely mirrors reports surrounding Apple’s foldable iPhone, suggesting both companies may be converging on a similar vision for next-generation foldable devices.

Wider Display Aimed at Better Usability

The Samsung Wide Fold is expected to feature a 7.6-inch internal OLED display when unfolded and a 5.4-inch external OLED screen when closed. The inner display is likely to use a 4:3 aspect ratio, offering a more balanced viewing experience than the elongated screens found on current Galaxy Z Fold models.

This wider, passport-like format is designed to enhance everyday usability, particularly for activities such as reading, document editing, photo viewing and media consumption. The design could also help reduce app scaling issues that arise on tall foldable displays. Interestingly, leaked details about Apple’s foldable iPhone suggest a similar layout, with reports pointing to a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover screen.

While brands such as Google and Oppo have previously experimented with comparable form factors, both later moved back to more conventional designs. Samsung’s renewed focus on a wider foldable highlights its intent to refine the foldable experience as competition intensifies.

Launch Timeline and Market Impact

Reports indicate that Samsung may target a fall 2026 launch for the Wide Fold, placing it head-to-head with Apple’s expected foldable iPhone release around the same time. However, neither company has officially confirmed timelines or specifications. The new device would expand Samsung’s foldable portfolio, which recently saw the addition of the Galaxy Z Trifold.

Pricing details remain unannounced, though industry watchers expect Samsung’s wider foldable to be positioned close to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which launched in India at ₹1,74,999. Apple’s foldable iPhone, meanwhile, is rumoured to be priced significantly higher, potentially around $2,400 (approximately ₹2,15,000).

If both launches proceed as anticipated, 2026 could mark a pivotal year for foldable smartphones, with Apple entering the segment and Samsung pushing design boundaries to maintain its leadership in the category.