Core Viewpoint - Samsung plans to launch a "wide-foldable" smartphone in the fall of 2026 to compete directly with Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Fold [2][3] Group 1: Product Details - The "wide-foldable" smartphone will feature a 7.6-inch inner screen and a 5.4-inch outer screen, both made of OLED material, with a 4:3 aspect ratio [2] - This device is expected to support 25W wireless charging, making it one of Samsung's fastest wireless charging phones [2] - The inner screen's aspect ratio is designed to provide a more tablet-like display experience, enhancing web browsing and photo viewing capabilities [2] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Apple is also expected to release the iPhone Fold in the second half of 2026, with an inner screen size of 7.76 inches and an outer screen of 5.49 inches [2] - Other brands like OPPO, vivo, Xiaomi, and Honor are planning to launch "wide-foldable" phones next year [3] - Omdia forecasts that global shipments of foldable smartphones will remain around 6.6 million units in the first half of 2025, with a significant growth of 32.8% in the Chinese market [3] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The foldable smartphone market is expected to see a 51% year-on-year increase in shipments by 2026, driven by intensified competition and more affordable flip models [3] - Despite the growth potential, foldable phones will remain a niche market, accounting for a low single-digit percentage of the overall smartphone market [6] - Samsung holds a 19% market share, maintaining its position as the global leader for three consecutive quarters, while Apple follows closely with an 18% share [7]

Core Viewpoint - Samsung plans to launch a "wide foldable" phone in the fall of 2026 to compete directly with Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Fold [1][8] Group 1: Samsung's "Wide Foldable" Phone - The "wide foldable" phone will feature a 7.6-inch inner screen and a 5.4-inch outer screen, both made of OLED material, with a 4:3 aspect ratio [1][8] - This phone is expected to support 25W wireless charging, making it one of Samsung's fastest wireless charging devices [1][8] - The aspect ratio of the inner screen is closer to that of a tablet display, providing a wider horizontal view and more efficient split-screen operation, suitable for browsing and photo viewing [1][8] Group 2: Apple's iPhone Fold - Apple is expected to release its iPhone Fold in the second half of 2026, with an inner screen size of 7.76 inches and an outer screen of 5.49 inches [1][8] - Due to development delays, the iPhone Fold may face supply shortages before the end of 2026 [1][8] - Apple considers foldable screens as a core evolution direction for the smartphone industry, designating the iPhone Fold as a "must-launch product" for next year [2][8] Group 3: Market Trends and Competitors - Other brands like OPPO, vivo, Xiaomi, and Honor are also planning to launch "wide foldable" phones next year [10] - Omdia reports that global shipments of foldable phones are expected to remain around 6.6 million units in the first half of 2025, with a 32.8% year-on-year growth in the Chinese market driven by Huawei's Mate and Pura X series [10][12] - The foldable phone market is projected to see a 51% year-on-year increase in shipments in 2026, continuing to drive market momentum into 2027 [10][12] Group 4: Market Position and Strategy - Foldable phones currently represent a small niche in the overall smartphone market, with a low single-digit percentage share [12] - For most manufacturers, the primary goal of foldable phones is to showcase technological leadership and R&D capabilities, rather than achieving high direct sales or profit targets [12] - Samsung holds a 19% market share, maintaining the top position for three consecutive quarters, while Apple follows closely with an 18% share [12]