Foldable iPhone Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8, Pixel 11 and Other Phones Launching in 2026
Key takeaways
- Last year, we saw Samsung reinvent the Galaxy Z Fold and Apple announce an all-new, slim and light i Phone Air.
- We've seen niche phones and devices sold outside the US that really embrace that adventurous spirit.
- The folding phone market is expected to attract more entrants.
Last year, we saw Samsung reinvent the Galaxy Z Fold and Apple announce an all-new, slim and light i Phone Air. In contrast, 2026 has been the year of some of the most boring phone releases in a while, with many focused on minor feature improvements. From the budget Google Pixel 10A to the flagship Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus, iterative phone upgrades seem to be the norm.
The ongoing RAM shortage and increasing competition in generative AI are creating a greater challenge for phone-makers, putting pressure on brands to release bold designs, add features that are useful and innovative, while considering the price for consumers. We've seen niche phones and devices sold outside the US that really embrace that adventurous spirit.
Phones like the Galaxy Z TriFold, Xiaomi 17 Ultra, and Oppo Find N6 keep things interesting with a radical approach to the physical design, cameras that compete with those from dedicated cameras, and wild accessories like a telescopic lens that screw onto the back. There should be more surprises later this year.