[News] Samsung Reportedly Gives Wide Fold the Largest Annual Production Share at 2.8M as Apple May Drive 4:3 Shift

Samsung Electronics is reportedly poised to make its newly introduced 4:3 aspect ratio Wide Fold the highest-volume model in its foldable lineup. According to ETNews, citing industry sources, Samsung plans to produce approximately 2.8 million display panels for the Galaxy Z Fold8 (Wide Fold), compared with 2 million units for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and 1.5 million units for the Galaxy Z Flip.

By comparison, ZDNet previously reported in June that the Wide Fold was initially targeted at around 1.5–2 million units. ETNews said Samsung’s full-year production plan now allocates a larger share to the model, reflecting expectations that demand for the new 4:3 aspect ratio foldable will outpace that of the conventional 18:20 aspect ratio Fold model and the clamshell-style Flip.

Starting this year, Samsung is reportedly introducing the Wide Fold under the Galaxy Z Fold8 name, while renaming its existing Fold model the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. As noted by Chosun Ilbo, the Galaxy Z Fold8 is expected to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 5th Gen AP, up to 1TB of storage. By comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is expected to adopt a 3:2 aspect ratio, pair a 200MP main camera with a triple-camera system, and carry a record 5,000mAh battery for the Galaxy Z Fold series. The report adds that prices are expected to rise slightly due to higher component costs, with the 256GB Fold8 Ultra discussed at around US$2,099 and the Fold8 at approximately US$1,899.

As for overall production, ETNews reported that Samsung is expected to manufacture 5.5–6 million Galaxy Z foldable smartphones in 2026. The company typically produces around 5.5 million units in the second half of each year, while last year’s output reportedly exceeded 6 million units, supported by strong Galaxy Z Fold7 sales.

The Shift to 4:3 Foldables

As noted by ETNews, the Galaxy Z Fold8 (Wide Fold) is expected to become Samsung’s first “passport-type” foldable smartphone, with a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display. The report says the 4:3 aspect ratio is intended to offer a book-like form factor, improving one-handed comfort while reducing content cropping when browsing websites or viewing photos.

Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone is also expected to accelerate the industry’s transition to a 4:3 aspect ratio. According to ETNews, the device is expected to be unveiled in September with a 7.58-inch inner display and a 5.35-inch outer display. Apple’s highly anticipated first foldable smartphone is expected to set up a direct showdown with Samsung, which pioneered the foldable smartphone market. Industry sources estimate foldable iPhone shipments at approximately 10 million units.

TrendForce estimates that Apple, leveraging its strong brand positioning and consumer anticipation, could capture nearly 20% market share in 2026, compressing the share of competitors such as Samsung Electronics and Huawei to around 30% each.

Read more

• Apple’s Entry into Foldable Smartphones Could Capture Approximately 20% Market Share; Stress Management Emerges as the Key to Reducing Creases, Says TrendForce
• [News] Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 May End Free Storage Upgrades on Rising Memory Costs; Flex Titanium Debuts

(Photo credit: Samsung)