Samsung is no longer waiting for Apple to define the next chapter of foldable phones. It is moving first. In recently shared teaser videos, Samsung showed a long chocolate bar being broken into a shorter, wider shape.

The message is clear: the Galaxy Z Fold8 series is getting a big design change. For the first time, Samsung is releasing two different foldables at once, one built to take on Apple’s upcoming foldable.

The standard Galaxy Z Fold8 comes with a new “passport-style” form factor. The new foldable is shorter and wider than previous Folds, with a 5.4-inch cover screen and a 7.6-inch inner display that uses a near 4:3 aspect ratio. More like a small tablet when open, good for watching videos and multitasking. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is keeping the tall, narrow design but adds premium specs. Samsung is now offering a choice: the new wider shape for broader appeal, and the traditional Fold for existing fans.

This wider model looks very similar to Apple’s first foldable, which is expected to have close dimensions and a similar screen ratio. Samsung wants to set the standard before Apple enters the market and shapes what people expect from a foldable phone.

The reason is clear. Foldable sales are growing, but buyers are shifting toward more expensive models. Average prices are going up, and high-end phones now make up a larger part of the market. Samsung needs to protect its lead as Apple brings its strong ecosystem and brand power into the category.

The Fold8 series is expected to start around $2,200, with the Ultra models going even higher. Apple’s foldable will likely cost about the same. Both companies are counting on premium buyers to pay more for the new design, even as parts get more expensive.

Samsung’s two-model plan is a smart move. It gives people more choices and directly challenges Apple’s expected design. But real-world performance still matters. Hinge quality, software, and everyday reliability have always been Samsung’s biggest tests in foldables.

One small suggestion for buyers: you should wait for hands-on reviews of the wider model. It looks good on paper, but how it feels in your pocket and in daily use will matter most. This feels like the real turning point for foldables.

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