A new report from top leaker Ice Universe reveals striking similarities between Samsung’s unreleased “Wide Fold” and Apple’s long-awaited iPhone Fold, suggesting a major shift in the foldable landscape.
According to a breaking post on X (formerly Twitter) by renowned tech insider Ice Universe, Samsung and Apple may be converging on a nearly identical form factor for their 2026 foldable flagships. The leak indicates that Samsung is developing a new “Wide Fold” variant—distinct from its standard Galaxy Z Fold line—specifically to rival the dimensions of Apple’s upcoming foldable.
The Revelation: Converging on the “Passport” Shape
Ice Universe, who holds a strong track record for Samsung and Apple leaks, shared that the two devices “look almost similar,” particularly regarding their width and display proportions.
Unlike the tall, narrow aspect ratio of current Galaxy Z Fold devices, both the Samsung Wide Fold and the iPhone Fold are rumored to feature a squarer, 4:3 aspect ratio. The leak points to remarkably similar screen real estate:
- Samsung Wide Fold: ~7.6-inch inner display / 5.4-inch outer display
- iPhone Fold: ~7.58-inch inner display / 5.35-inch outer display
While the dimensions are nearly identical, Ice Universe noted one key aesthetic difference: the corners. Samsung is expected to retain its signature sharp, boxy industrial design, while Apple will likely opt for softer, rounded “R-angle” corners similar to the standard iPhone.
Timeline: The 2026 Showdown
This leak suggests a heated battle is coming in late 2026.
- Samsung is reportedly expanding its portfolio. Rather than replacing the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the “Wide Fold” is expected to launch as a separate, premium SKU targeted directly at users who prefer the wider “passport” form factor (similar to the Google Pixel Fold or Oppo Find N).
- Apple is moving forward with its first foldable, prioritizing a wider outer screen that functions like a normal phone when closed, avoiding the “remote control” shape of early foldables.
Why This Matters
The convergence of these two giants on a single form factor is significant for the industry:
- Standardization: If Apple and Samsung both adopt a 4:3 inner aspect ratio, it creates a “gold standard” for developers. This makes it far easier to optimize apps for tablet-sized screens, solving one of Android’s longest-standing foldable issues.
- Usability vs. Novelty: The move suggests the industry has moved past experimental shapes and found that a wider, shorter device offers the best balance of pocketability and tablet-like productivity.
Early Reactions & What’s Next
Tech enthusiasts on X have reacted positively to the news, as many have long requested a wider Samsung foldable that is easier to type on when closed. However, analysts caution that hardware similarity does not guarantee a similar experience; the battle will likely be won on software—One UI versus iOS.
Neither company has officially commented on these leaks. However, with both devices rumored for a late 2026 launch, we can expect more concrete specifications and CAD renders to surface in the coming months.
