Imagine a world where the sleek foldable phones from Apple and Samsung might unknowingly borrow the blueprint from Google's first Pixel Fold—that's the intriguing twist in the smartphone saga we're about to unpack! It's a reminder of how innovation can circle back, sparking debates on what's truly 'original' in tech. But here's where it gets controversial: could this be a smart pivot, or just a lazy copycat move? Stick around, because the details might surprise you and challenge what you think about foldable designs.
When Google shifted away from the robust, book-like style of its debut Pixel Fold, it set the stage for potential echoes in upcoming devices like Apple's iPhone Fold and Samsung's next foldable. The original Pixel Fold, released in 2023, was a bold experiment that impressed initially but faltered over time due to overheating problems, as detailed in our long-term review (https://9to5google.com/2024/08/31/google-pixel-fold-long-term-review/). What made it stand out was its distinctive shape: a compact yet wide outer screen that unfolded into a broader inner display, contrasting sharply with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold at the time, which featured a slim outer screen leading to a tall, portrait-friendly inner one—still a favorite for many app experiences. Google, however, refined its approach in later models, aligning more closely with Samsung's taller format.
Now, it seems the industry might be circling back to that 'passport-style' foldable, giving it a fresh chance in the spotlight. According to a report from ETNews (https://www.etnews.com/20251219000227), Apple's forthcoming iPhone Fold—whatever its final name—plans to incorporate a 4:3 aspect ratio for its inner display, mirroring the iPad's proportions. Samsung is reportedly developing a 'wide fold' with a similar inner aspect ratio. For context, Google's original Pixel Fold sported a 6:5 aspect ratio, which is slightly taller than 4:3, suggesting that Apple's and Samsung's new designs could visually resemble the Pixel Fold in both closed and open states. To simplify for beginners: aspect ratios like 4:3 are boxier and more square-like, great for viewing content without stretching, while taller ratios emphasize vertical space, ideal for scrolling through social media or reading.
The report, shared via @Jukanlosreve (https://x.com/jukan05/status/2002734601735962945), specifies that Apple's device would boast a 7.58-inch inner display, with Samsung's offering a 7.6-inch panel and a 5.4-inch outer screen. In comparison, the original Pixel Fold had a 5.8-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner one. Meanwhile, Apple continues to innovate with a 'crease-free' design for its foldable (https://9to5mac.com/2025/12/22/iphone-folds-key-display-breakthrough-may-still-be-in-flux-per-leak/), aiming to minimize those unsightly lines where the screen bends—something that could make unfolding feel more seamless and premium.
9to5Google’s Take
So, why are we potentially revisiting the original Pixel Fold's design after the Android ecosystem leaned heavily into taller foldables? And this is the part most people miss: it boils down to how apps interact with these screens. For a while now (https://9to5google.com/2022/12/16/google-pixel-fold-oppo-find-n2/), I've championed Samsung's initial vertical aspect ratio as the superior choice for current apps, since many Android programs aren't optimized for tablet-like widescreens. On the original Pixel Fold's broader setup, this led to a clunky experience, which is why Google wisely adjusted with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's more elongated display (https://9to5google.com/2024/08/13/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-aspect-ratio-displays/). However, as Google ramps up efforts to expand Android's tablet app catalog, it could be time to revive this overlooked style—think of it like finally giving a classic book format another read after years of preferring vertical novels.
That said, for Apple, adopting this wider inner display matching the iPad is a no-brainer. It instantly taps into a vast library of apps that Android foldables can only envy, though some might require tweaks for scaling—yet Apple has a knack for rallying developers, even for ideas that initially seem outlandish (https://developer.apple.com/design/new-design-gallery/). This raises a controversial point: is Apple's ecosystem advantage unfairly tilting the foldable playing field, or is it just smart business? What do you think—should wider screens become the new standard, or is taller better for productivity? Share your opinions in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree or disagree!
More on Foldables:
- Samsung dominates the foldable market after Galaxy Z Fold 7 stopped the bleeding (https://9to5google.com/2025/12/04/samsung-dominates-the-foldable-market-after-galaxy-z-fold-7-stopped-the-bleeding/)
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold Initial Review: Small changes more fitting of Google’s ‘Pro’ title (https://9to5google.com/2025/10/08/pixel-10-pro-fold-review/)
- Galaxy Z TriFold likely priced around $2,800, first look shows display creases, DeX, more Video
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