Samsung’s wide new Galaxy foldable will take on the iPhone Ultra

Samsung is reportedly in the process of developing a new foldable phone called the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, set to be released in summer 2026. This launch will put Samsung in direct competition with Apple, who is also rumored to be releasing their own foldable iPhone Ultra around the same time in September 2026. Both devices are expected to feature a 7.6-inch 4:3 display aspect ratio, a departure from the current trend of tall and narrow foldable designs.

The aspect ratio of a phone’s screen may not seem like a significant factor, but it can greatly impact the user experience. A 4:3 screen, like the one expected on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide and the iPhone Ultra, is ideal for reading documents, browsing websites, and watching videos. This format is commonly found on tablets and is known for its productivity benefits. Having a tablet-sized screen on a foldable phone can enhance multitasking capabilities and provide a more immersive media experience without the constraints of a narrow display.

Samsung’s previous release, the Galaxy Z TriFold, features a large 10-inch screen with a 16:11 aspect ratio, similar to that of an iPad. This wide aspect ratio allows for seamless multitasking across multiple apps without feeling cramped. The TriFold also supports Samsung DeX, enabling users to switch to desktop mode for enhanced productivity.

One significant challenge with foldable phones has been the visible crease on the display when folded. At CES 2026, Samsung showcased a creaseless OLED display technology, addressing this limitation and providing a smooth surface without any visible creases. This breakthrough in display technology is expected to be a key feature in both the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide and the iPhone Ultra, offering users a seamless viewing experience.

As Samsung and Apple continue to push the boundaries of foldable phone design, the competition in the foldable market is heating up. With these two tech giants leading the way, it is likely that the industry will follow suit, leading to a shift towards more app-friendly square form factors and potentially making foldables a mainstream phone format in the near future. The race to innovate in the foldable phone market is well underway, and consumers can expect exciting advancements in the coming years.