The market for foldables is still relatively small. However, if there is one brand that has really made a name for itself in this segment, and is reportedly profitable, it is Samsung. The company has been refining its Fold and Flip series for several years and recently also showcased its first tri-fold device. But Samsung is not stopping here. If reports are to be believed, the Korean tech giant is preparing to add another foldable to its lineup, and it could emerge as a direct rival to Apple’s much-awaited foldable iPhone.

According to South Korean outlet Electronic Times (ETNews), Samsung is planning to introduce a brand new ‘Galaxy Wide Fold’, and it’s not just a regular launch. The company is said to be targeting an initial production of around 1 million units. According to a latest report from Korean outlet ETNews, Samsung is confident about its new foldable and has already shared the 1 million-unit target with key supply chain partners.

Samsung Galaxy Wide Fold: Rumored specifications

According to the report, Samsung’s new Galaxy Wide Fold is expected to stand out in its foldable lineup primarily due to its display and form factor. According to the leak, the device will feature a 7.6-inch foldable OLED display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, which will offer a wider, more landscape-centric experience than Samsung’s existing foldables.

Samsung is said to be bringing this new form factor to users who prefer tablet-like screens for multitasking, productivity and content consumption. The outer cover display is said to be 5.4 inches, while the device will continue with a book-style fold, opening from left to right with a vertical hinge.

This design direction of the anticipated Galaxy Wide Fold is in contrast to Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is expected to maintain the 18:20 aspect ratio when unfolded, in line with the Fold 7. The change in form factor is likely due to Samsung planning to target a slightly different use case with the Wide Fold rather than replacing its existing Fold series.

When will Samsung launch this new Fold?

Based on the development timeline, the Galaxy Wide Fold is expected to be introduced at Samsung’s Galaxy Z Unpacked event in Q3, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8.

Competitors of Apple’s foldable iPhone

Interestingly, the news of Samsung planning to bring out a special foldable comes when Apple is widely expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone later this year, that too with a 4:3 aspect ratio. According to industry estimates Apple may ship around 10 million units in its first round. It is said that Samsung’s decision to adopt the same screen ratio is a pre-emptive move to lock in the “tablet-like” productivity segment before Apple formally enters the market.

An industry insider cited in the report said the Wide Fold is “not technically more difficult than last year’s Trifold,” adding that Samsung may further increase production depending on market response.