Looking for the next big smartphone release? Whether you’re into flagship power, camera tech, foldables, or budget phones, this guide covers all the major upcoming phones you should know about — with brief descriptions and expected release timing.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup is expected to continue the brand’s flagship evolution with refinements to design, charging technology, and performance across the range.
The Galaxy S26 series is expected to stick closely to Samsung’s familiar design language, while introducing subtle hardware refinements, including a revised camera module that allows for improved internal spacing. The standard and Plus models are expected to differ mainly in size, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains Samsung’s most premium and feature-focused device.
Performance is expected to vary by region, with the Galaxy S26 series tipped to use a mix of Snapdragon and Exynos processors, depending on market availability. For most global markets, Snapdragon-powered models are expected to remain the default choice.
One of the most notable upgrades expected for the Galaxy S26 lineup is the introduction of Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, bringing improved alignment, convenience, and faster wireless charging speeds across supported accessories.
Colour options are also expected to expand, with different finishes planned for the standard models and the Ultra variant, continuing Samsung’s strategy of clearly separating its premium flagship from the rest of the lineup. Full Specs Here
Expected highlights:
- Refined Galaxy design with updated camera module
- Snapdragon and Exynos variants depending on region
- Qi2 magnetic wireless charging support
- Distinct colour options across standard and Ultra models
Expected launch: January 2026
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Samsung is expected to expand its foldable lineup in 2026 with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, continuing the company’s focus on large-screen foldable devices.
At this stage, very little is known about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in terms of confirmed specifications or design changes. However, it is expected to build on Samsung’s existing foldable formula, with refinements to durability, hinge design, display technology, and overall usability rather than a radical redesign.
As with previous Fold models, improvements to performance, battery efficiency, and multitasking features are expected, alongside continued optimisation of Samsung’s foldable software experience.
Expected highlights:
- Next-generation Samsung foldable design
- Refinements to durability and hinge technology
- Focus on multitasking and large-screen productivity
Expected launch: July 2026
Apple iPhone 18 Series
Apple’s iPhone 18 lineup is expected to bring a refined design direction alongside meaningful upgrades across the range, with a strong focus on cameras, battery life, and overall user experience.
The series is expected to introduce a more unified design and colour language, giving the standard, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max models a closer visual identity while still reserving premium finishes and features for the Pro variants.
Camera improvements are expected across the entire lineup, with enhancements to photography and video performance on all models. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumoured to stand out with a 200MP primary camera, positioning it as Apple’s most capable camera phone to date and marking a major step forward for high-resolution imaging.
Battery life is also expected to see a noticeable improvement, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max tipped to feature a larger 5,200mAh battery, aimed at delivering longer endurance for power users. Full Specs Here
Expected highlights:
- Unified design and colour language across the lineup
- Camera upgrades on all iPhone 18 models
- 200MP primary camera on iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Larger 5,200mAh battery on Pro Max
Expected launch: September 2026
Apple iPhone Fold
Apple’s iPhone Fold is expected to represent one of the biggest shifts in iPhone design to date, introducing Apple’s first book-style foldable smartphone with a strong focus on refinement, durability, and real-world usability.
The iPhone Fold is positioned at the top of Apple’s streamlined iPhone lineup, launching alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, while other iPhone models are expected to follow later. This allows Apple to centre its flagship launch around premium and next-generation hardware.
A major highlight of the iPhone Fold is its crease-free internal folding display, achieved through a combination of a metal pressure-dispersion plate beneath the screen and a liquid-metal hinge. This approach allows the internal display to appear completely flat when unfolded, offering a seamless tablet-like experience not currently seen on other foldables.
The device is expected to feature a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal folding display, while maintaining an ultra-thin profile at just 4.5mm when unfolded and 9mm when folded. Apple is also expected to replace Face ID with Touch ID integrated into the power button, improving usability across both folded and unfolded states.
Power efficiency is expected to be a key focus, with the iPhone Fold tipped to use Apple’s in-house C2 modem alongside a dual high-density battery system to deliver strong battery life despite the large internal display.
Expected highlights:
- Book-style foldable design
- Crease-free 7.8-inch internal folding display
- 5.5-inch external display
- Ultra-thin 4.5mm unfolded design
- Liquid-metal hinge for improved durability
- Touch ID integrated into the power button
- Dual battery system with Apple C2 modem
Expected launch: September 2026
Expected price: $2,000 – $2,500
Google Pixel 11 Series
The Google Pixel 11 lineup is expected to launch August 2026, continuing Google’s focus on AI-driven features rather than raw benchmark performance.
This generation is expected to bring meaningful improvements to areas where previous Pixels have struggled, particularly connectivity, efficiency, and thermal performance. Google is widely rumoured to be switching away from Samsung modems, a move that could significantly improve signal reliability, battery life, and real-world performance.
Cameras remain a major focus for Pixel, with the Pixel 11 series tipped to deliver substantial photography and video upgrades, especially on the Pro models. These are expected to include improved low-light video, enhanced AI zoom capabilities, and deeper integration with Google’s AI ecosystem across Photos, Gemini, and YouTube tools.
Under the hood, the Pixel 11 is expected to debut the Tensor G6 chip, designed to prioritise AI processing, efficiency, and sustained performance rather than headline benchmark numbers. Battery capacity and charging are also expected to see upgrades, with rumours pointing toward Qi2 magnetic wireless charging support.
Visually, the Pixel 11 series is expected to refine the existing Pixel design, with slimmer bezels and a more polished camera bar rather than a full redesign.
Expected highlights:
- August–October 2026 launch window
- Focus on AI, efficiency, and real-world performance
- Improved connectivity and thermal management
- Major camera and video upgrades, especially on Pro models
- Tensor G6 chip with enhanced AI processing
- Qi2 magnetic wireless charging support
Expected launch: August 2026
Google Pixel 11 Fold
Google is expected to continue its foldable lineup in 2026 with the Pixel 11 Fold, building on its approach to large-screen devices powered by Pixel software and AI features.
At this stage, very little is known about the Pixel 11 Fold in terms of confirmed hardware specifications or design changes. However, it is expected to focus on refinements to display quality, hinge durability, and software optimisation for multitasking and split-screen use.
As with other Pixel devices, Google’s strengths are likely to centre on AI-driven features, clean Android integration, and camera performance tailored to foldable use cases.
Expected highlights:
- Next-generation Pixel foldable device
- Focus on AI features and software optimisation
- Improvements to display and hinge design
Expected launch: August 2026
Other Notable Upcoming Phones
Google Pixel 10a
The Google Pixel 10a is expected to arrive in early 2026, offering a refined mid-range option that focuses on AI features, display quality, and battery life rather than flagship pricing.
The Pixel 10a is expected to run a boosted version of Google’s Tensor G4 chip, tuned for better efficiency and on-device AI performance. This allows it to support Google’s latest AI features while maintaining strong everyday performance in a more affordable device.
Display upgrades are also a key focus, with the Pixel 10a tipped to feature a 6.2-inch 120Hz OLED panel with improved brightness and colour accuracy. Battery life is expected to improve as well, with a larger 5,200mAh battery aimed at delivering reliable all-day use.
Design-wise, the Pixel 10a is expected to refine Google’s familiar A-series look, with a compact form factor, slim bezels, and a clean dual-camera layout, while introducing a wider range of colour options at launch. Full Specs Here
Expected highlights:
- Early 2026 launch window
- Boosted Tensor G4 chip focused on AI and efficiency
- 6.2-inch 120Hz OLED display
- Larger 5,200mAh battery
- Refined Pixel A-series design with new colour options
Expected launch: Early 2026
Realme 16 Pro Series
The Realme 16 Pro lineup is expected to target the upper mid-range segment, offering strong performance and modern design at more competitive pricing than traditional flagships.
The series is expected to focus on camera improvements, fast charging, and bold design choices, making it one of the more aggressive value-driven releases among upcoming phones.
Expected highlights:
- Upper mid-range positioning
- Emphasis on camera and charging speed
- Competitive pricing
Expected launch: Early 2026