Samsung may be gearing up to redefine the foldable smartphone category once again with a new device that could challenge both its own lineup and Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone. According to a report from South Korea’s Etnews (translated into English), Samsung is developing a device internally dubbed the “Wide Fold”. The phone is expected to debut in the second half of 2026 and would offer a unique display design that differs from Samsung’s current Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series. The company has also experimented with three-panel designs in the Galaxy Z TriFold, hinting at its continued push for innovative form factors. A wider, more tablet-like screen The standout feature of the Wide Fold is its screen design. Sources suggest the device would sport a 7.6-inch internal display when unfolded and a 5.4-inch external screen when folded. Unlike Samsung’s typical tall and narrow foldables, the Wide Fold’s main display is reportedly closer to a 4:3 aspect ratio, giving it a wider and more square-like appearance. This design could fundamentally change how the device is used. A squarer screen is generally better suited for reading, web browsing, photo viewing, and document editing, offering an experience more akin to a small tablet than a traditional smartphone. It could also help apps adapt more naturally to foldable screens, reducing awkward stretching or formatting issues. A potential Apple showdown The Wide Fold’s design appears to echo rumors surrounding Apple’s own first foldable iPhone, expected around the same timeframe. Industry speculation suggests Apple’s device may feature an unfolded display of about 7.7 inches and a similar 4:3 aspect ratio. If both companies release foldables of comparable size and shape in 2026, it could mark the first direct competition between Samsung and Apple in this emerging market. Samsung has led the foldable category to date, but Apple’s entry could bring mainstream credibility to the format. What’s still unknown Details about the Wide Fold remain scarce. Pricing, camera specs, processor information, and global availability are all unconfirmed. It’s also unclear whether “Wide Fold” is just an internal codename or the device’s official name. Samsung typically unveils its new foldables during summer or early fall Galaxy events. If the rumor proves accurate, the Wide Fold may join the 2026 lineup alongside other Galaxy devices, potentially reshaping the foldable smartphone market once again.