Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Samsung is reportedly working on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, featuring a 7.6-inch 4:3 display, expected to launch in summer 2026. This device aims to compete directly with Apple’s rumored iPhone Ultra foldable, anticipated for release in September 2026.
- According to Tech Advisor, Samsung showcased a revolutionary creaseless OLED display technology at CES 2026, tackling a significant challenge in foldable phones that Apple is reportedly delaying its entry to perfect.
- Both devices are anticipated to offer wider, tablet-like aspect ratios instead of the current narrow designs, enhancing productivity and media experiences for users.
Apple has long been rumored to be developing its first foldable iPhone. However, Samsung seems eager to take the lead in this space.
The South Korean tech giant has been discreetly crafting a new foldable model, tentatively named the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, which is slated for a summer 2026 release. This timing is poised to precede the debut of Apple’s expected iPhone Ultra foldable at its September event. Notably, both phones are projected to share similar dimensions and aspect ratios.
It should be noted that both of these devices are currently based on rumors from supply chain leaks.
Why the new aspect ratio matters
While the aspect ratio of a phone screen might seem trivial, it greatly influences the user experience. The tall, narrow screens of existing Galaxy Z Fold models are ideal for scrolling and messaging, but their utility diminishes beyond that.
Luke Baker
A 4:3 screen provides better experiences for reading documents, browsing websites, and watching videos. This aspect ratio is popular in tablets due to its productivity advantages, and soon you’ll be able to enjoy it on a foldable device that fits in your pocket.
Such a tablet-sized screen in a foldable phone makes split-screen multitasking more intuitive. Apps can be placed side by side without feeling cramped, and videos can be streamed without awkward letterboxing. When folded, the phone will offer a wider, shorter display, more like what users are accustomed to holding.
Apple’s forthcoming iPhone Fold will reportedly feature a 7.8-inch inner display with a 4:3 aspect ratio. This nearly square shape deviates from the elongated foldable designs we’re familiar with, aiming to mimic the feel of an iPad mini when opened.
Sonny Dickson
Samsung is reportedly deeply involved in these developments, with industry leaks suggesting it is manufacturing the screens for Apple’s foldable device. Samsung Display is expected to supply over 11 million OLED panels for the foldable iPhone.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that Samsung’s upcoming Z Fold 8 Wide is also anticipated to feature a 4:3 display aspect ratio. This device will have a 7.6-inch inner screen and a broader outer display. With such similar specifications to Apple’s rumored device, the move seems intentionally competitive.
Samsung has previous experience in this area. The Galaxy Z TriFold, launched in December 2025, unfolds to reveal a large 10-inch screen with a 16:11 aspect ratio. This is quite close to the 4:3 ratio seen on an iPad and resembles three 6.5-inch smartphones side by side, ideal for multitasking across three apps without feeling constrained.
Britta O’Boyle
The TriFold supports Samsung DeX, allowing users to enter desktop mode when connecting a Bluetooth keyboard. Interestingly, while Apple’s foldable is expected to include some iPad-like productivity features, it will not run iPadOS.
The creaseless display
Another design element to consider is the crease that has plagued foldables, which is hard to overlook on the inner display. This issue suggests that foldable phones have yet to achieve their ideal form. Apple is said to be delaying its entry into the foldable market to address this problem before launching.
At CES 2026, Samsung introduced a creaseless OLED display panel, similar to what is expected from the iPhone Fold. Although this panel didn’t feature the 4:3 ratio, it exhibited a smooth surface devoid of visible creases, a notable improvement over the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Collaborating with Apple on high display standards may have provided Samsung with an advantage, accelerating its research and development efforts.
Ice Universe
The foldable race is heating up
As these two major players redefine the foldable market in 2026, the industry is likely to follow suit. Once Samsung and Apple set a trend, other manufacturers typically follow. It might not be long before the more app-friendly square form becomes the new norm, transitioning foldables from a niche product to a mainstream smartphone format.
