The foldable smartphone market, long dominated by Samsung, is bracing for a seismic shift with Apple's anticipated entry in 2026. In a strategic move to preemptively counter its rival, Samsung is reportedly developing a new "Wide Fold" form factor, signaling a significant departure from its established designs and setting the stage for a head-to-head battle in the premium foldable segment next year.
Samsung's Strategic Pivot to a Wider Form Factor
According to a report from the Korean publication ET News, Samsung has initiated development on a new foldable smartphone, internally referred to as the "Wide Fold." This device represents a deliberate shift in design philosophy, moving away from the tall, narrow aspect ratios of current Galaxy Z Fold models. The primary motivation behind this pivot is to directly compete with Apple's rumored first foldable iPhone, which is also expected to feature a wider, book-like design. This preemptive development suggests Samsung is not taking Apple's entry lightly and aims to offer a compelling alternative from day one.
Reported Specifications Comparison (2026 Models):
| Feature | Samsung Wide Fold (Rumored) | Apple Foldable iPhone (Rumored) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Current) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner Display | 7.6-inch OLED | 7.58-inch | 8.0-inch |
| Inner Aspect Ratio | 4:3 | 4:3 | ~1.1:1 (near-square) |
| Cover Display | 5.4-inch (wider) | 5.25-inch | 6.5-inch (tall) |
| Expected Launch | Fall 2026 | Fall 2026 | Summer 2025 |
| Targeted Rival | Apple's Foldable | N/A | N/A |
Specifications and Design: Mirroring the Rumor Mill
The reported specifications of Samsung's Wide Fold intriguingly align with the leaks surrounding Apple's device. The inner foldable display is said to measure 7.6 inches, nearly identical to the 7.58-inch screen rumored for the iPhone Fold. More significantly, both are expected to utilize a 4:3 aspect ratio, a format familiar from Apple's iPad lineup. This ratio is considered more optimal for reading documents, browsing the web, and watching video compared to the squarer displays on current foldables. The cover display is also set for a change, with a rumored 5.4-inch screen that is wider than it is tall, a stark contrast to the tall 6.5-inch outer screen on the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
The 2026 Foldable Lineup and Market Implications
If the reports hold, Samsung's 2026 foldable portfolio could be its most expansive yet. The company is expected to launch the Wide Fold in the autumn, positioning it as a direct competitor to Apple's fall launch. This new model would join the traditionally summer-released Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8, potentially giving Samsung three distinct foldable offerings in a single year. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is not expected to see major design changes, leaving the Wide Fold as the flagship innovation for countering Apple. This strategy indicates Samsung intends to cover multiple form factors and price points to maintain its market leadership.
Samsung's Potential 2026 Foldable Lineup:
- Summer: Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 (iterative update).
- Fall: "Wide Fold" (new form factor, direct Apple competitor).
Pricing and the High-Stakes Premium Battle
While detailed pricing for the Wide Fold is unknown, the context of Samsung's and Apple's pricing strategies sets high expectations. The current Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at USD 1,599, while Samsung's limited-release Galaxy Z TriFold was priced around USD 2,428 in South Korea. Apple's foldable iPhone is rumored to command an even higher price, potentially between USD 2,300 and USD 2,500. Given this landscape, the Wide Fold will likely sit at the very top of Samsung's pricing tier, cementing the 2026 foldable war as a battle for supremacy in the ultra-premium segment, where design innovation and ecosystem integration will be key differentiators.
Price Context:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Starts at USD 1,599.
- Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold (Korea Price): ~USD 2,428.
- Apple Foldable iPhone (Rumored): USD 2,300 - USD 2,500.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in the Foldable Saga
The emergence of the "Wide Fold" rumor marks the beginning of a new and intensely competitive chapter for foldable smartphones. Samsung's apparent decision to adapt its design in anticipation of Apple's entry validates the significance of the wider form factor. For consumers, 2026 promises an unprecedented choice between two tech giants pushing the boundaries of mobile hardware. The success of these devices will hinge not just on durable hinges and crisp displays, but on which company can best integrate the unique foldable form factor into a seamless and powerful user experience. The stage is set for a fascinating showdown.