Even though Samsung already has its Foldand it would not be the same novelty as the iPhone, it is true that, on this occasion, there will be many changes, learning from mistakes, and trying to fight against Apple, who could take away a lot of market share.
Today, we will see what is new about these phones, the possible release date, and what really differentiates them, apart from the operating system and the brand, although all this will not be known for sure until they officially go on sale next year.
Samsung and Apple will release their foldable in 2026
Samsung seems to not want to wait to see what it does Apple with its first foldable iPhone. According to the latest rumors, the Korean brand would be working on a new folding mobile phone with a somewhat different approach than what we have seen so far. Internally they call it “Wide Fold”, and the idea would be to launch it more or less at the same time that Apple releases its own foldable. We'll see who does it first.
The interesting thing about this model is not so much that it is foldable (Samsung already masters that) but the shape of the screen. Instead of going for a very elongated screen when the phone is open, this new model would have a wider, almost square format. This would make using it open more like using a small tablet than a stretched out mobile phone.
When closed, the phone It would have an external screen of about 5.4 inchesa fairly normal size for everyday life. But when you open it, the interior screen would grow to about 7.6 inches. It's not just the size that changes, but how it feels: being wider, reading, browsing the internet or watching videos should feel more comfortable and natural, without so much wasted space on the sides.
This move makes a lot of sense if we take into account that Apple would also be preparing a foldable iPhone with a similar format. Samsung has been manufacturing folding screens for years, so it wants to get ahead and offer a clear alternative from the first moment. Basically, if someone is thinking about an “iPhone-type” foldable, Samsung has something ready to compete directly, since its other model would not have the same competition, since Apple's would not use that format.
Yes indeed, This “Wide Fold” would not replace Samsung's classic folding devices. The brand would continue launching its usual Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip, but this new model would be a kind of extra option, designed for those looking for something different from the usual, and seeing how it adapts to the market, since, if it is a failure, they could continue with their line, but if it is successful, they could create a new one.
In short, Samsung would be betting on a wider and more practical foldable, designed to be used open for a longer time and not just as a mobile phone that folds. There is still much to be confirmed, but the idea already gives clues to where the competition is going in the coming years. We will be attentive to fall 2026and we will see who wins in this field.
