Samsung, one of the largest manufacturers of mobile devices in the world, is reportedly working on a completely new concept of a bendable phone that should offer an experience closer to a tablet than the classic models we’ve seen so far. According to the latest information leaked from industry circles, this device, working name “Wide Fold”, should see the light of day during the fall of 2026.
Until now, Samsung has focused on relatively narrow and tall flexible phones like the Galaxy Z Fold series, with screens that, when opened, are usually around 7.6 inches diagonally, but in an unusual aspect ratio that does not suit all users. The new wider model would apparently have a display with a 4:3 aspect ratio and offer an experience that is closer to a traditional tablet than the current flexible phones.
Why is this change important? Traditional smartphones, even when flipped open like the Galaxy Z Fold model, often feel like they’re working on a compromise between a mobile device and a tablet. A wider and “squarer” screen could improve multitasking, reading documents, viewing photos and media, or editing content, tasks for which most users usually use tablet devices.
The appearance of such a device occurs at a time when the launch of the first bendable iPhone model by Apple is expected, also scheduled for 2026. According to previous rumors, the iPhone Fold should follow a similar design with a wider screen in the open state.
This development points to a broader trend in the mobile device industry: a shift away from the narrow “phone” format to devices that combine the convenience of a mobile phone with the functionality of a small tablet. It’s a step that manufacturers have been trying for years, and one that could break the current barrier preventing the wider popularization of foldable technology. Samsung is already testing market interest for this type of device with models like the Galaxy Z TriFold, which uses two folding points to create an even larger tablet-like screen.
Of course, it remains uncertain how users will react to these changes and how practical the new format will be in everyday use, but it is clear that Samsung does not plan to stand still while the competition pushes mobile technologies forward. With this new “wide fold” device, the South Korean tech giant wants to stay relevant and innovative in an era where a major upheaval is expected in the design of smartphones and tablets, writes Digital Trends.