The Foldable Revolution: Why 2026 is the Year of Wide Foldables

Imagine telling someone in 2016 that your phone screen can fold in half – they’d probably think you’re crazy. Fast forward to today, and foldable phones have become more common, with the initial excitement fading away. While foldable hardware has evolved significantly, the form factor has remained relatively unchanged since 2019.

Having used the Galaxy Z Fold 7 as my main phone for over two months, I’ve noticed that foldables are no longer a novelty. They have become fairly ordinary, even though they are not yet widespread.

The focus has now shifted to AI technology, with many companies pushing artificial intelligence in various products.

Tri-fold devices initially seemed like the future, but attention has now turned to “wide foldables,” which are expected to dominate the folding smartphone market in 2026. With several major companies planning to launch wide foldable models soon, this could be the breakthrough that brings foldables into the mainstream. However, there is a potential drawback to consider.

What are wide foldables?

Wide foldables are essentially book-style folding phones that are wider and shorter than traditional foldables. They are sometimes referred to as passport-style foldables. These devices feature a boxy cover screen (which is usually smaller) and a widescreen internal display that resembles a tablet.

One example of a wide foldable is Huawei’s Pura X Max, which offers a 5.4-inch cover screen that opens up to reveal a 7.7-inch wide panel. In comparison, Huawei’s Mate X7 has a 6.49-inch external display and an 8-inch internal screen.

Wide foldables may be bulkier than traditional foldables, with the Pura X Max being 1.7mm thicker than the Mate X7 when closed. However, with a 11.2mm chassis, there is still room for improvement.

Are wide foldables better than regular foldables?

The answer depends on what you value most. If you’re looking for a phone/tablet hybrid, wide foldables offer a display that is closer to a traditional tablet than book-style foldables. They address the issue of unusual aspect ratios seen in book-style foldables.

For example, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 features a tall, narrow cover display with a unique resolution on the internal screen. While optimized apps look good, most apps and content are designed for a 16:9 aspect ratio, leading to letterboxing and wasted screen space.

Luke Baker

Wide foldables aim to reduce letterboxing by offering a display that is closer to a traditional widescreen, making content consumption more seamless.

Are wide foldables beneficial for gaming and video content?

Wide foldables offer advantages beyond gaming and video watching. They provide a better platform for apps on the internal display, as many developers are hesitant to optimize apps for book-style foldables. The wider aspect ratio of wide foldables allows more third-party apps to adapt well to the internal screen.

Furthermore, the smaller cover screen on wide foldables may appeal to those who prefer smaller devices. For example, Huawei’s Pura X Max features a 5.4-inch cover screen, similar in size to the iPhone 13 Mini.

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With the disappearance of genuine small phones in the market, wide foldables could offer a unique solution for those seeking a smaller screen size.

Why is 2026 the year of wide foldables?

2026 is set to be the year of wide foldables as several companies are preparing to launch their wide foldable models. Up until now, no wide foldables had been released, but by the end of 2026, there could be multiple options available.

Rumors suggest that companies like Oppo, Vivo, and Honor are working on wide foldables. While these devices may initially debut in China, they are expected to reach Europe soon. However, it may take longer for wide foldables to enter the North American market.

The competition in the wide foldable market is heating up, with Apple and Samsung expected to lead the way. Samsung is likely to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide in July, while Apple is rumored to unveil a foldable iPhone with a widescreen display in September.

This competition between industry giants could finally bring foldables into the mainstream market.

Are there any downsides to wide foldables?

One major downside to consider is the price. While book-style foldables have seen some price reductions over the years, they still remain expensive. Wide foldables are likely to be even pricier, especially at launch.

For example, Huawei’s Pura X Max is priced lower than the Mate X7, but global pricing for wide foldables may differ significantly. Additionally, global supply chain challenges may impact the pricing of wide foldables.

Despite the potential cost barrier, wide foldables offer a unique form factor that could revolutionize the smartphone industry. With Apple and other major players entering the wide foldable market, innovation and competition could eventually lead to more affordable options for consumers.

Will wide foldables be financially viable?

It’s too early to determine the financial success of wide foldables. However, there are promising signs, such as the potential for wide foldables to serve as phone/tablet hybrids and the involvement of industry leaders like Apple. Competition in the market is expected to drive innovation and potentially lower prices for wide foldables.

Overall, wide foldables have the potential to breathe new life into the smartphone market and offer a fresh take on foldable technology. While challenges like pricing remain, the future of wide foldables looks promising.