At a Glance
- Apple plans a folding iPhone and a new iPhone 18 Pro lineup for 2026.
- Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy Z TriFold and other upgrades.
- Major brands are shifting launch calendars and adding new features.
- Why it matters: These changes shape the competitive landscape and hint at the tech you’ll see next year.
The smartphone world is gearing up for a busy 2026, with Apple, Samsung, and other major players reshaping their lineups and timelines. Below is a snapshot of what to expect.
Apple’s 2026 Roadmap
Apple is revamping its launch cadence, potentially pushing the standard iPhone 18 to early 2027 to accommodate a new folding iPhone. The company may still release four models in September 2026: the next-gen iPhone Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Fold.
- iPhone 18 Pro colors: coffee, purple, burgundy.
- Display sizes: 6.3-inch (Pro) and 6.9-inch (Pro Max).
- Camera upgrades: variable-aperture lens, 48-MP primary sensor on the Fold.
- Chipset: A20 Pro built on TSMC’s 2 nm process.
| Feature | iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max | iPhone Fold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch | 6.9-inch | 7.8-inch (unfolded) |
| Camera | 48 MP + 48 MP ultra-wide | 48 MP + 48 MP ultra-wide | 48 MP + 48 MP ultra-wide |
| Processor | A20 Pro | A20 Pro | A20 Pro |
Apple’s foldable will feature a 4.5 mm thickness when unfolded, a titanium frame, and a 48-MP primary camera. It is expected to cost between $1,800 and $2,500.
Samsung’s 2026 Launches
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series and the Galaxy Z TriFold. The S26 will keep its vertical camera array and a 12-MP ultrawide lens upgraded to 50 MP. A slimmer “Edge” variant, the S26 Edge, may drop to 5.5 mm.
- Galaxy Z TriFold: 10-inch tablet mode, 5,600-mAh battery, 45-W fast charging.
- Galaxy Z Fold 8: 5,000-mAh battery, laser-drilling metal plate for a thinner crease.
- Galaxy Z Flip 8: Improved cover screen usability, potential S-Pen return.
| Model | Battery | Display | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| S26 | 4,300 mAh | 6.3-inch | Jan 2026 |
| S26 Edge | 4,200 mAh | 6.7-inch | Feb 2026 |
| Z TriFold | 5,600 mAh | 10-inch | Oct 2025 (US release 2026) |
| Z Fold 8 | 5,000 mAh | 8-inch | 2026 |
| Z Flip 8 | 4,400 mAh | 6-inch | 2026 |
Other Brands to Watch
- Google will likely launch Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 10A in 2026, with a Tensor G6 chip on the 2 nm process.
- Xiaomi plans the 17 Ultra with a 50-MP camera and 200-MP telephoto, powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
- Oppo is expected to reveal the Find X9 Ultra, featuring a 7,000-mAh battery.
- Motorola may continue the Razr line, though details are scarce.
Key Takeaways
- Apple’s folding iPhone and 18 Pro lineup signal a major shift in its 2026 strategy.
- Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold and upgraded S26 series add new form factors and performance.
- Other brands are focusing on camera upgrades and chipset improvements.
The 2026 smartphone landscape promises new designs, stronger processors, and a broader range of options for consumers.
