Samsung’s ‘Wide Fold’ set to challenge Apple’s foldable in the coming year

Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone is on track for a 2024 release, but it’s already facing some stiff competition from Samsung. According to reports, Samsung’s new “Wide Fold” is also set to debut in 2026, featuring a display size and 4:3 aspect ratio that closely resembles Apple’s first foldable device.

The translated report indicates that the Wide Fold will sport an OLED display measuring 5.4 inches when folded and expanding to 7.6 inches when opened. An unnamed industry source mentioned that it will adopt a “passport” style with a 4:3 screen ratio in its unfolded state.

In a recent update, it was revealed that Apple’s foldable will feature a 5.3-inch display that grows to 7.7 inches when opened, with an aspect ratio akin to that of the largest iPads in landscape mode, making it wider than tall when unfolded. Most iPads have a nearly 4:3 aspect ratio, and this latest rumor suggests that Apple’s foldable iPhone will also embrace a wide aspect ratio in portrait mode. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously noted that the design would resemble two iPhone Airs fused together.

Both Samsung and Apple are expected to launch their foldable devices in Fall 2026. The 4:3 aspect ratio is advantageous for reading ebooks, viewing photos, and engaging in creative tasks like design and image editing. However, it may lead to unsightly black bars on traditional landscape and portrait videos, a drawback already evident on Samsung’s somewhat square Z Fold 7.