Samsung is accelerating its foldable phone strategy in anticipation of Apple’s entry into the market. The company is reportedly developing a new device, tentatively called the “Samsung Wide Fold,” designed to compete directly with the rumored iPhone Fold. This move signals a proactive attempt by Samsung to maintain its dominance in the emerging foldable category.
Samsung’s New Foldable: Specifications and Design
The upcoming Samsung Wide Fold will feature a 7.6-inch internal display with a 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded. This is a departure from the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s near-square 3:33.3 ratio, and the design aims to replicate the experience of using a traditional tablet more closely. The external display will be 5.4 inches.
While the internal display size isn’t dramatically different from the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s 8-inch screen, the change in aspect ratio is significant. A 4:3 ratio makes the device more practical for everyday use – reading documents, browsing, or watching videos – as it aligns better with standard content formats.
Why Now? The Apple Factor
Samsung’s decision to introduce another foldable comes as Apple is widely expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026. Reports suggest Apple’s device will also adopt a 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded, positioning it as a tablet-like alternative. By preemptively releasing a similar device, Samsung aims to establish itself as the go-to brand for consumers seeking this form factor.
Samsung’s Foldable Lineup: A Growing Portfolio
This new addition further expands Samsung’s foldable portfolio, which already includes the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (traditional book-style foldable) and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 (flip-style foldable). The company also has a tri-folding phone in development, the Galaxy Z TriFold, which already features a near-4:3 aspect ratio.
Adding more models might seem counterintuitive, but Samsung appears willing to experiment aggressively. The strategy appears to be flooding the market with options and letting consumers decide what works best.
Implications for the Foldable Market
The rivalry between Samsung and Apple in the foldable space is expected to accelerate innovation and drive down prices. Both companies are betting on foldables becoming mainstream, and their competition will likely benefit consumers through improved technology and wider availability.
The foldable market is still nascent, but Samsung’s aggressive response to Apple’s potential entry demonstrates the high stakes involved. The next two years will be crucial for determining which company leads the charge in this evolving category.
