New insights from a recent Samsung survey hint at the design direction for a rumored second variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 8. According to SammyGuru, this wider foldable could emerge as a strong competitor against the anticipated iPhone Fold, featuring an iPad mini-esque form factor rather than the previously rumored square display.
A Fresh Design Departure from Fold 7
The rumored Galaxy Z Fold 8 variant appears to deviate significantly from the existing Fold 7’s design language. The survey reveals renderings of a foldable with a noticeably wider and shorter screen, making it resemble a compact tablet when unfolded. When folded, it adopts a shape different from a regular smartphone, aligning more closely with the look of the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Expected to launch alongside the Fold 7 and Flip 7 follow-ups next year, this second Fold 8 variant might offer users a foldable phone that unfolds to a more tablet-like display — ideal for productivity and multimedia consumption.
Samsung’s Strategy to Counter Apple’s Foldable
As ET News reported in September, Samsung is preparing to release a new wider Fold in 2026 to fend off competition from Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone. The iPhone Fold reportedly will have a short and wide design similar to the iPad mini, pushing Samsung to experiment with broader foldable formats.
Samsung’s survey suggests this wider Fold 8 model would cater to users seeking a device that bridges the gap between smartphone portability and tablet functionality.
Public Interest and Voting Results
A recent poll asked users which 2026 foldable device they are most interested in buying. The results showed 50% preference for the wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 model, followed by 28.09% favoring the Fold 7 successor, 14.81% for the iPhone Fold, and 7.1% preferring other options. This strong interest highlights the potential appeal of Samsung’s wider foldable design.
What Lies Ahead?
While Samsung has not officially confirmed the second Fold 8 variant, the survey’s insights point toward a significant design shift aimed at expanding choices for consumers and directly challenging Apple’s foldable ambitions. As foldable technology continues to evolve, wider and more tablet-like foldables could become a key segment in the mobile market.
