Foldable phones keep evolving, but some old ideas refuse to disappear. After Google moved away from its original Pixel Fold design, Apple and Samsung now seem ready to revisit that same wide, book-like form factor.
Google’s first Pixel Fold arrived in 2023 with a short and wide outer display that opened into a broad inner screen. It felt different from Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold, which used a narrow outer screen and a tall inner display. While Google’s design stood out, overheating issues and long-term usability concerns hurt its appeal. Over time, Google shifted closer to Samsung’s taller approach in later models.
Now, the market appears to be circling back.
First Foldable iPhone
According to ETNews, Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone will use a 4:3 aspect ratio for its inner display. That ratio matches the iPad and closely resembles the original Pixel Fold’s overall shape. Samsung is reportedly developing a similar device, often referred to as a “wide fold,” with the same aspect ratio.
The report says Apple plans a 7.58-inch inner display. Samsung’s wide fold is expected to feature a 7.6-inch inner OLED panel and a 5.4-inch outer screen. One industry source described the design as a “4:3 passport type,” adding that both companies are aiming for nearly identical proportions when unfolded.
A 4:3 screen is wider than it is tall. Many people remember this ratio from older televisions and monitors. In a foldable phone, it can feel more stable in the hand. It also makes reading web pages, viewing documents, and looking at photos easier, since less content gets cropped.
There are trade-offs. Modern video content favors wider formats, and recent smartphones have trained users to expect tall screens. For some, a wider display may feel unusual at first.
Samsung plans to launch the wide fold next fall as part of its Z-series lineup, alongside its regular Fold model. Apple is also expected to reveal its foldable iPhone around the same time. With both companies targeting similar designs and launch windows, a direct showdown looks likely.
This time, the industry seems focused on comfort and balance. Whether users embrace the passport-style foldable again will decide its future.
