Samsung wants to get ahead of the iPhone Fold with its own ‘Wide Fold’ (Update: Image)

Update: September 9, 2025 (6:10 AM ET): Tipster Ice Universe has posted a fan rendition of Samsung’s new “Wide Fold” device, giving people a better idea of what to expect. Check out the image below.

This unofficial image suggests that we could be looking at a more compact cover display. However, I do wonder what the square folding screen means for multimedia consumption, though, as the aspect ratio isn’t ideal for 16:9 or 4:3 video.

Original article: September 9, 2025 (4:21 AM ET): Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has a larger folding screen and a more conventional cover display. However, it sounds like the company could take a page from Apple and Google’s playbook for an upcoming Fold device.

ET News reports (via Jukanlosreve on Twitter) that Samsung is working on one Flip and two Fold devices in 2026. One of the Fold devices is a so-called “Wide Fold” model.

This Wide Fold model could differ significantly from the Z Fold 7, according to a machine-translated excerpt:

The new Fold is expected to feature a screen ratio that is shorter vertically when folded, but longer horizontally. Industry sources indicate the goal is to create a “wide-type” Fold, combining two 18:9 screens to create an internal display with a nearly identical 18:18 aspect ratio.

A source told ET News that this new Fold is expected to launch with Samsung’s other foldables in the second half of 2026. However, the same source added that specs for this new foldable will be finalized by the end of the month or in early October.

It’s believed that this “Wide Fold” is a response to Apple’s upcoming iPhone Fold. The foldable iPhone is tipped to offer a squat design as opposed to the taller and narrower design seen on Z Fold models. These wouldn’t be the first foldable phones with a short and wide design, though. The original Google Pixel Fold (seen above) and OPPO’s Find N and Find N2 offered similarly squat designs a few years ago.

We praised the Pixel Fold’s design at the time, noting that the stubby form factor made for a more compact folded phone. We also appreciated the landscape-oriented folding screen, particularly when it came to multitasking. However, we expressed disappointment with the lack of apps optimized for this wide aspect ratio. So we hope Samsung and third-party developers address this problem.