Foldable phones go wide: Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Apple shift to passport-sized designs

Smartphone makers are shifting from tall, narrow foldables to shorter, wider "passport-sized" designs, with Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Apple all pursuing the format in 2026. This new shape aims to offer a broader, tablet-like screen when opened. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8, released in the UAE on August 7, measures 123.9mm tall and 81.9mm wide when closed, featuring a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch main screen. Huawei's Pura X Max, sold in China, is even wider at 85mm, while Xiaomi plans its 18 Fold launch in September. Apple may unveil its first foldable iPhone at a September 9 event, with reports suggesting a 5.5-inch closed screen and 7.8-inch open display. Oppo and Honor are also rumored to be developing similar wide foldables for a possible 2027 release.