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| Foldable iPhone CAD render. |
In the high-stakes chess game of foldable phones, Samsung is preparing its most direct counter-move yet to Apple's long-rumored entrance. According to new industry reports, Samsung is planning a strategic shift for 2026, launching a wider-format Galaxy Z Fold model that not only matches the expected screen dimensions of the first foldable iPhone but also goes toe-to-toe with its charging capabilities.
For years, Samsung's Z Fold series has defined the book-style foldable category with its tall, narrow cover screen. But the landscape is shifting. Apple is widely reported to be developing an "iPhone Fold" with a key design choice: a wider body when closed. This allows it to open into a tablet-like 7.58-inch display with an aspect ratio nearly identical to the iPad Pro. The strategic benefit is immense, granting immediate compatibility with the vast universe of iPad-optimized apps from day one.
Samsung, it seems, is not willing to cede this advantage. Industry insiders suggest a third model, codenamed "Project H8," will join the 2026 Z Fold lineup.
A New Shape for a New Battle: The 2026 Wide Galaxy Z Fold
This new variant, tentatively dubbed the "Galaxy Z Fold Wide," is said to feature a 7.6-inch inner display with a 4:3 aspect ratio—a stark departure from the taller screens of current Folds and a mirror of Apple's rumored plans. The external cover screen is expected to be a much more usable 5.4 inches, offering a wider, more traditional phone experience when closed, similar to the original Google Pixel Fold or Oppo Find N.
According to a detailed report from ETNews, this model is targeting a fall 2026 release, likely positioning it just ahead of Apple's own foldable debut to seize the narrative. It’s shaping up to be Samsung's most direct answer to the impending "iPhone with a hinge."
The Wireless Charging Arms Race Heats Up
But the mimicry, or rather, the competitive one-upmanship, doesn’t stop at the form factor. The inaugural foldable iPhone is also expected to support 25W wireless charging, aligning with the capabilities of the standard iPhone 17 line when using a compatible Qi2.2 charger.
In a coincidental—or perhaps strategically calculated—move, Samsung intends to equip its wide Z Fold competitor with the same 25W wireless charging speed. This would mark the fastest wireless charging ever offered on a Galaxy foldable, closing a notable gap with Chinese rivals and now, Apple.
The charging battle extends to Samsung's flagship slab phones. The report indicates that the crown jewel of the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, the S26 Ultra, will also answer Apple's iPhone 17 Pro with 25W wireless charging support of its own. This suggests 2026 will be the year both giants formally escalate the wireless power war, moving beyond the 15W plateau that has defined the premium market for years.
For users looking to maximize these speeds, a compatible MagSafe or Qi2 charger will be essential. A charger like the Anker Prime MagSafe 3-in-1 Station, currently offered at a discount, is designed to hit these faster wireless standards for compatible devices.
The Bottom Line
The message from Samsung is clear: it will not let Apple's foldable debut go unchallenged. By reportedly adapting its proven Z Fold formula to match Apple's predicted iPad-like aspect ratio and matching its charging spec-for-spec, Samsung aims to meet its new rival head-on. While a nearly square 4:3 display may be a more natural fit for Apple's ecosystem, Samsung's move shows it's ready to adapt the foldable playbook to ensure that when the foldable iPhone finally arrives, consumers will see a familiar, and fiercely competitive, alternative already on the shelf. The battle for foldable supremacy is about to get a whole lot wider.