According to fresh reports from Korean media, the company plans to launch not one but two Galaxy Z Fold models in 2026, including a new “wide-type” version that breaks away from the tall, narrow design of previous Folds.
The wide model is said to use two 18:9 panels, which unfold into a nearly square 18:18 inner display. That’s a clear contrast to the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s 18:20 aspect ratio, and it could make tasks like gaming, multitasking, and video consumption more natural. The second model is expected to act as the direct successor to the Fold 7, likely keeping a similar format. Unlike the 2024 Z Fold Special Edition that was limited to Korea and China, this wider model is reportedly planned for a global release. Samsung is yet to finalize specifications, with the devices lined up for the second half of 2026.
The timing isn’t random — Apple is widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone around the same period. Analysts at Omdia forecast foldable shipments could rise from 23.5 million units in 2025 (2.2% of all smartphones) to over 51 million in 2027, with Apple’s entry seen as a catalyst.
Samsung isn’t standing still in the meantime either. Its first tri-fold device, the Galaxy Z TriFold, is said to be on track for late 2025 in South Korea and China, giving the company another form factor to test before Apple introduces its rumored foldable iPhone.
If the reports hold, Samsung’s strategy for 2026 would be clear: diversify its Fold series to appeal to both productivity-focused users and those who want a more tablet-like experience, while keeping its lead in the foldable market as rivals close in.
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