Samsung’s Strategic Move Ahead of iPhone Fold Launch

A recent Samsung survey exploring foldable phone designs inadvertently unveiled a brand-new Galaxy Z Fold8 variant. According to SammyGuru, this could be the second foldable device Samsung is developing alongside the direct successor to the Galaxy Z Fold7, aiming to compete with Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

Images from the survey reveal a design significantly different from the Galaxy Z Fold7. Instead of the nearly square screen rumored earlier, the new Galaxy Z Fold8 adopts a more tablet-like form factor when unfolded, reminiscent of the iPad mini. When folded, the device also deviates from the traditional smartphone shape of the Fold7, featuring a wider and shorter body similar to the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

The survey does not explicitly mention the Galaxy Z Fold8, suggesting Samsung may still be testing market reactions to this new design direction. However, the images strongly resemble the Galaxy Z Fold series, leading observers to believe this is a prototype or design concept for the next-generation Fold.

In September, South Korean media outlet ET News reported that Samsung plans to launch a wider Galaxy Z Fold model next year. This device is expected to feature an 18:9 external screen and an 18:18 internal screen, compared to the current Galaxy Z Fold7’s 21:9 external and 20:18 internal screens. However, the survey images do not fully align with previous leaks, particularly regarding the nearly square internal screen.

Despite discrepancies between sources, Samsung’s survey indicates the company is seriously considering a design overhaul for the Galaxy Z Fold series. The wider Galaxy Z Fold8 variant is reportedly a direct response to Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected to launch this year alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. Rumors suggest the iPhone Fold will feature a low and wide design similar to the iPad mini, and the latest Galaxy Z Fold8 leaks hint that Samsung may already have a competitive alternative in the works.