Samsung Reportedly Developing 4:3 Wide Fold Smartphone for 2026 Launch

Samsung Electronics, a long-standing leader in the foldable smartphone market, is currently developing a new device tentatively named the "Wide Fold." This upcoming gadget is positioned as a direct countermeasure to Apple's anticipated entry into the foldable segment, which industry observers suggest is also slated for an autumn 2026 debut. Importantly, the Wide Fold is not intended to supersede the current Galaxy Z Fold or Z Flip series; rather, it aims to broaden Samsung’s portfolio by introducing a novel form factor specifically optimized for enhanced content consumption and editing.

A pivotal feature expected to align these two potential rivals is the adoption of a 4:3 aspect ratio for the main internal display, a configuration often referred to as "passport style." Insider reports indicate that the Samsung Wide Fold could feature a 7.6-inch internal OLED screen utilizing this ratio, complemented by a 5.4-inch external cover display. Conversely, the rumored iPhone Fold is expected to incorporate an inner panel ranging from 7.58 to 7.7 inches, with an external screen between 5.3 and 5.5 inches. Apple is reportedly placing significant emphasis on ensuring its foldable display remains virtually crease-free. This strategic alignment in fundamental design suggests a potential industry pivot toward standardizing the foldable form factor, where a squarer 4:3 ratio—reminiscent of the iPad's dimensions—may become the preferred standard for maximizing overall device utility.

Beyond the physical design shifts, the Wide Fold is anticipated to bring significant technological advancements in wireless charging capabilities. The device is expected to support wireless charging speeds up to 25W, which would mark the fastest rate yet for any Samsung foldable upon its release. This charging speed aligns with the new Qi2.2 standard recently introduced by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). This new standard effectively raises the maximum power threshold from the previous 15W limit to 25W, facilitating quicker energy transfer and improved thermal management during the charging process.

Samsung Display maintains its critical role as the primary supplier of OLED screens for Apple's iPhone lineup, underscoring the company's technological prowess in flexible display manufacturing. The projected arrival of the iPhone Fold in 2026 is expected to significantly boost the overall market penetration of foldable smartphones, potentially pushing the adoption rate from 1.6% in 2025 to over 3% by 2027, according to analyses by TrendForce. In this competitive landscape, the rollout of the Samsung Wide Fold in the fall of 2026, alongside refreshed versions of the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold, illustrates Samsung's proactive strategy to cement its dominance in the foldable sector—a segment that remains a vital growth engine for the entire OLED panel market.

The introduction of a 4:3 ratio device suggests Samsung is keenly listening to user feedback regarding productivity use cases. While the current Z Fold series offers a more elongated screen, the squarer format is inherently better suited for tasks like document review, spreadsheet manipulation, and even certain types of digital art creation, mirroring the functionality that has made tablets popular. This move indicates a segmentation strategy where different foldable form factors will cater to distinct user needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

By targeting a late 2026 release, Samsung appears to be timing its major hardware innovation to coincide with the expected arrival of its main competitor. This competitive timing suggests an intent to capture market share immediately upon Apple’s entry, ensuring that Samsung remains the benchmark against which the new foldable iPhone will be measured. The simultaneous focus on display geometry and charging speed highlights a comprehensive approach to improving the user experience across the board for next-generation mobile computing.