[News] Samsung Reportedly Preps 4:3 “Wide Fold” Phone to Take On Apple, Launch Set for Fall 2026

The foldable smartphone market is heading toward a direct showdown, as Samsung’s rumored foldable device, industry-dubbed the “Wide Fold,” is reportedly being developed in a form factor similar to Apple’s forthcoming foldable iPhone. According to ETNews, sources say the two devices are being designed with closely aligned form factors, with both featuring internal displays in the 7-inch range, as Samsung’s Wide Fold is said to use a 7.6-inch internal OLED display, and Apple’s foldable is reportedly equipped with a 7.58-inch panel.

Samsung and Apple Are Reportedly Both Adopting a 4:3 Aspect Ratio

In addition, the report, citing sources, says the device Samsung is preparing will adopt a 4:3 “passport-style” aspect ratio when unfolded, a format Apple’s foldable iPhone is also expected to use. The report adds that Samsung’s Wide Fold will feature a 5.4-inch external OLED display. The 4:3 aspect ratio is intended to make the device more comfortable to hold when unfolded—similar to an open book or notebook—while also reducing content cropping when viewing webpages or photos, the report adds.

Both Devices Reportedly Slated for Fall 2026 Debuts

Samsung’s Wide Fold and Apple’s foldable iPhone are reportedly slated for similar launch timing. According to the report, Samsung plans to debut the Wide Fold in the fall as part of its Galaxy Z series foldable lineup, while Apple is also expected to unveil its foldable iPhone at its annual fall event, when new iPhone models are typically announced.

In addition to a form factor designed to go head-to-head with Apple’s device, the report, citing sources, says Samsung’s Wide Fold is expected to support 25W wireless charging—the fastest speed ever offered on a Samsung smartphone. The capability is set to debut in the flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra in early 2026.

Chinese Makers May Beat Apple to Crease-Free Foldables

Meanwhile, South Korean outlet ZDNet, citing sources from Phone Arena, reports that Apple is testing ultra-thin foldable glass (UFG) with uneven thicknesses in an effort to reduce the visible crease on its foldable iPhone, though results so far have been unsatisfactory. The report adds that Chinese smartphone makers are also said to be pursuing wrinkle-free foldable displays, raising the possibility that Chinese foldables using such technology could reach the market ahead of Apple’s device.

According to TrendForce, the anticipated launch of Apple’s first foldable device in the second half of 2026 is expected to lift foldable smartphone penetration from 1.6% in 2025 to more than 3% by 2027.

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(Photo credit: Samsung)