5 highly anticipated smartphones of 2026
2026 is predicted to be a major milestone for the smartphone market, with Apple potentially launching the first foldable iPhone, and Samsung and Google accelerating the hardware race, 2nm chips, and next-generation artificial intelligence (AI).
The year 2026 promises to bring many notable changes to the smartphone world, not only in hardware but also in how major manufacturers organize their product launch schedules.
Apple is reportedly adjusting its iPhone release cycle, while Samsung may also launch its Galaxy S series later than usual. Despite the longer wait, the rumored upgrades are hard for the tech world to ignore.
Here are 5 of the most anticipated smartphones of 2026.
iPhone 18 Pro (expected September 2026)
According to multiple sources, Apple may shift to a phased iPhone launch strategy. This could push the standard iPhone model back to 2027, but premium versions like the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are likely to still appear in the fall of 2026.
In terms of design, after the major changes on the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro may not be a complete visual overhaul. However, the internal hardware is expected to offer a noticeable difference. One of the most notable upgrades is the main camera with a variable aperture, allowing users better control over the amount of light when taking photos.
The iPhone 18 Pro is also rumored to use the A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2nm process, surpassing the 3nm chip in the previous generation in both performance and battery efficiency. In addition, a new AI-integrated Siri version, expected to launch with iOS 26 in spring 2026, promises to make the iPhone 18 Pro significantly smarter.
iPhone Fold (expected September 2026)
After years of staying out of the game, Apple may officially enter the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Fold. This is considered one of the most anticipated products of 2026.
According to rumors, Apple is developing a nearly crease-free foldable screen, a challenge many Android manufacturers have yet to fully address. The iPhone Fold might even feature an under-display camera, although the image quality of this technology remains controversial.
In terms of specifications, the iPhone Fold is said to have a 7.8-inch main screen and a 5.5-inch secondary screen, making it more compact than many current foldable phones. It will likely share the same A20 Pro chip as the iPhone 18 Pro.
The biggest unknown remains the price. Some sources suggest the iPhone Fold could range from $2,000 to $2,500, a price point that puts significant pressure on Apple, given that Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at around $1,999.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (expected March 2026)
In the Galaxy S26 lineup, the Ultra version continues to play the flagship role with the most significant upgrades. Samsung typically reserves its latest technologies for the Ultra series, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be no exception.
This device may use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, while the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus will most likely use Samsung's own Exynos 2600 chip. Regarding the camera, the S26 Ultra is rumored to have a larger aperture to improve low-light photography, along with an upgraded 3x telephoto lens.
Additionally, Samsung may also add some exclusive AI features to the Ultra version. Regarding the launch date, after two consecutive years of unveiling the Galaxy S in January, new rumors suggest that Samsung may postpone the Galaxy S26 event to the end of February, and the device could be available in stores in March 2026.
Google Pixel 11 (expected August 2026)
Although not as popular as iPhones or Galaxies, the Pixel line still holds a leading position in AI on smartphones. The Pixel 11 is expected to continue this strategy, with three non-folding versions similar to the Pixel 10.
The biggest upgrade is likely to be the Tensor G6 chipset, rumored to be manufactured using a 2nm process, helping the Pixel 11 close the performance gap with high-end iPhones and Galaxies. In addition, Google is expected to bring a host of AI improvements, especially for the camera.
Rumors suggest that the Pixel 11 may upgrade its Cinematic Blur feature, support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second, and enable video recording in extremely low light conditions, with on-device processing.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (expected summer 2026)
Before Apple releases its foldable iPhone, Samsung may have time to introduce the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the next version of the premium foldable smartphone line that has made the company famous.
According to initial reports, the Z Fold 8 may further reduce the crease on the main screen, while also boasting a larger and more squared-off display. Battery life, an inherent weakness of foldable phones, is also expected to improve.
Notably, a source from South Korea suggests that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 may even be lighter than its predecessor, indicating Samsung is strongly prioritizing portability for its foldable device line.
Besides the five names mentioned above, 2026 could see the appearance of many other noteworthy devices. Samsung is reportedly developing a lighter version of the Galaxy Z Flip, while Motorola may continue to expand its foldable Razr line.
Apple and Google are also likely to launch new mid-range smartphone models before mid-year. With the price of high-end phones rising, these products could become more attractive than ever for the average consumer.
