'The passport-style foldable is the future': how Apple made Samsung change its folding phone plans

Foldable phones are shifting into a new gear in 2026. For years, the design of these devices has prioritized folding like a book, but that approach often led to awkward screen aspect ratios. With the upcoming release of the iPhone Ultra and Samsung’s updated Galaxy Z Fold 8, the industry is pivoting toward a wider, shorter form factor. This design change is significant because it aims to make the internal screen more functional and immersive for users.

By adopting this passport-style shape, manufacturers are directly addressing the compromises that have held back foldable adoption. When users rely on a foldable, they often keep the device closed, negating the benefits of the inner display. The new, wider aspect ratio promises to provide a superior experience for watching video content and gaming, which are two of the primary reasons to own a device with a large, flexible screen.

Samsung is responding to this market shift by adjusting its product strategy. We expect to see a move toward more squat, tablet-like proportions that align with the anticipated changes from Apple. Meanwhile, Google continues its own path with the Pixel series, maintaining a focus on regular handset dimensions when closed.

Ultimately, this evolution in hardware design is meant to drive sales by offering a more practical experience. As someone who has used these devices for years, I find this shift toward a more usable, video-friendly format to be the most promising development in the current generation of foldables. We are moving away from novelty and toward hardware that serves daily needs more effectively.