Fresh details are emerging about Samsung’s next move in foldable phones, and it could be a big one for fans who want a more compact book-style design. New reporting from ETNews suggests Samsung is preparing a second Fold-style device alongside the expected Galaxy Z Fold8, potentially expanding the lineup beyond a single flagship foldable for the summer launch window.
According to industry sources, this new model is widely being referred to as the Galaxy Z “Wide Fold,” and Samsung is reportedly aiming for significantly higher production than its more niche foldable experiments. While previous limited-run concepts and special editions have been produced in relatively small quantities, the company is said to be targeting around 1 million units for the Wide Fold. The device is also rumored to be associated with the model number SM-F971U, hinting that development is progressing toward a more mainstream release.
Even at one million units, the Wide Fold would still be projected at a lower volume than Samsung’s typical flagship foldable output, but the number is telling. It suggests Samsung sees real demand for an alternative Fold-style option—one that could appeal to people who like the productivity and multitasking benefits of a book-style foldable, but don’t necessarily want the tall, narrow cover screen that has defined many recent designs.
The biggest talking point is the rumored display approach. The Wide Fold is said to open to a 7.6-inch inner screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, which could make it feel more tablet-like for reading, browsing, video calls, and split-screen apps. When closed, it’s expected to offer a 5.4-inch cover display—noticeably smaller than what many book-style foldables use today. That kind of size would put it closer to compact foldable concepts and could improve one-handed use, pocketability, and general comfort for daily carry.
This shift also points to a broader trend in the foldables market. Competitors are rumored to be revisiting smaller book-style foldables as well, and many analysts believe the industry is positioning itself for a future wave of foldables from major players—potentially including a foldable iPhone that could prioritize a more compact form factor than the largest book-style models currently available.
If these details prove accurate, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Wide Fold could become a key new option in 2026’s foldable phone lineup: a more portable book-style foldable with a squarer inner display, produced at a scale that suggests Samsung expects genuine consumer demand rather than just enthusiast curiosity.
