Samsung is expanding its foldable smartphone lineup with a second wide screen device planned for next year. The move follows strong consumer demand for the Galaxy Z Fold8, which introduced a wider 4:3 aspect ratio to the lineup. However, Samsung has yet to finalize the exact display dimensions for the upcoming project.
Industry sources cited by Korean tech outlet ETNews confirm that Samsung recently started early development on an additional wide folding handset for the Galaxy Z9 family. Unlike the 4:3 display on the current Fold8, this new project focuses on an aspect ratio tuned specifically for video streaming and widescreen media playback. Early project details have already been shared with component suppliers across the supply chain.
This addition will push Samsung to a total of 5 foldable devices in the next generation. The planned roster includes the standard Flip, the standard Fold, the Fold Ultra, a dual folding tri fold model, and this new secondary wide fold. Samsung previously relied on taller, narrower designs for the Fold family before shifting toward wider horizontal screens this year.
The decision to build another wide screen model comes directly from recent retail numbers. In domestic pre orders, the wide Fold8 claimed a massive 70% share of all Galaxy Z8 series purchases. Total pre orders reached 1.44 million units across the lineup, marking a 39% jump compared to the 1.09 million units recorded by the previous generation.
Shoppers clearly preferred the wider canvas over older, narrower dimensions. Samsung now wants to build on that momentum by diversifying its hardware styles. The main goal is to attract regular smartphone users who have avoided foldables in the past due to awkward display proportions.
Launching 2 wide models in 1 generation brings obvious questions about internal competition. Samsung will need to make sure the new media focused model attracts fresh buyers rather than simply pulling customers away from the standard Fold. If the company executes the plan smoothly, a 5 device lineup could give Samsung a major advantage as global competition in the foldable sector heats up.
