Smartphone launches at the end of 2026 rely on flexible screens and advanced chips
The global mobile device market is heading towards a busy final stretch in 2026, driven by major announcements from the main technology giants. Companies of the caliber of Samsung, Apple, Google and OnePlus are preparing the introduction of new equipment, focusing on raw processing, improved camera systems and native Artificial Intelligence tools, all while the war for the dominance of flexible panels takes on new contours. Even without official confirmation of all specifications, consistent leaks and tips from the brands themselves already paint a clear picture of what will hit the shelves.
The news radar points to historic milestones, such as the iOS manufacturer’s debut in the foldable screen segment, as well as a visual redesign of the Galaxy Z family, which will adopt wider proportions. The schedule also includes the expansion of the Google Pixel 11 portfolio and extreme configurations for OnePlus’ high-end devices. This wave of updates will dictate the pace of the global industry, providing buyers with faster tools for everyday life and image processing optimized by algorithms, changing the way we interact with the digital environment. Below, we detail the most talked about devices at the moment.
Main smartphone models scheduled for the second half of the year
The manufacturers’ catalogs for the last months of 2026 reserve drastic changes in design and performance. Check out the list of equipment that dominates discussions in the sector:
On the same topic: Apple prepares iPhone 18 Pro for 2026 with invisible camera and retro look
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 (with wider aspect ratio)
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Flip 8
- Apple’s first flexible smartphone
- iPhone 18 Pro
- Google Pixel 11 series
- OnePlus 16
Radical change in proportion marks the design of the Galaxy Z Fold 8
The South Korean brand’s bet to redefine its premium category is the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which will abandon the elongated profile of its predecessors. The company’s engineering works on a lower and wider chassis, dubbed by the market as a “passport” format, ensuring a more ergonomic grip and an external screen with usability similar to that of a conventional telephone. This change resolves one of the biggest criticisms from users of previous generations, who considered the front display too narrow for fast typing and media consumption.
Clues about this aesthetic transition were left by the manufacturer itself in its communication channels. The internal architecture of the device will be controlled by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, operating in conjunction with Android 17 and the One UI 9 customization layer. The brand’s calendar points to July 22nd for the global unveiling of the product, during the traditional Galaxy Unpacked conference.
Conservative strategy and focus on power define the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
Positioned as the natural heir to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Ultra variant will follow a different aesthetic path than the standard model. The manufacturer chose to maintain the traditional book format in this version, ensuring that customers accustomed to the line’s classic proportions continue to have a familiar option. This bifurcation of design shows the company’s attempt to embrace different consumer profiles without alienating its older fan base.
The status of the most expensive product in the catalog will require superlative specifications. Leaks indicate the presence of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, Qualcomm’s most advanced piece of silicon for the Android ecosystem, powered by a 5,000 mAh energy tank — an unprecedented capacity milestone for the brand’s flexible phones. The software package will deliver Android 17 running under the One UI 9 interface right out of the box.
Timely updates and possible closure of the Galaxy Z Flip 8 cycle
The Galaxy Unpacked stage will also serve as a showcase for the Galaxy Z Flip 8, maintaining the annual pace of renewal for compact devices. Behind-the-scenes images reveal that the shell-shaped structure will not undergo major visual interventions, preserving the aesthetic identity consolidated by the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
The generational leap will be restricted to internal components, adopting the Exynos 2600 chip — present in the Galaxy S26 family — or the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, depending on the target market. The rest of the technical sheet presents a conservative scenario, maintaining the 6.9 and 4.1 inch panels, the photographic set with a 50 MP main sensor and a 12 MP wide-angle lens, in addition to the 4,300 mAh battery module.
More on this story: Apple prepares launch of foldable cell phone and redesigns the look of the premium line
Behind the scenes in the industry, information is circulating that the South Korean giant is considering retiring the clamshell format in the short term, redirecting research resources to larger flexible screens. If the movement is confirmed, this year’s launch will mark the end of a lineage inaugurated in 2020.
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Long-awaited debut of the iOS manufacturer in the flexible segment with the iPhone Ultra
The year 2026 will be marked by the entry of the Cupertino company into the foldable panel dispute, possibly naming the project iPhone Ultra. Without any statement from the parent company, the international specialized press treats this commercial name as the most logical choice for the portfolio. The engineering design will adopt a side opening style, similar to the South Korean competitor’s new proposal, combining a 5.5-inch external display with a 7.8-inch internal viewing area.
The internal hardware will place the device at the top of the brand’s food chain. The production lines prepare the A20 processor, inaugurating 2 nanometer lithography in the company’s architecture, working alongside a dual 48 MP camera module for the main and wide field lenses. The distribution schedule points to September 2026, dividing attention with traditional lines.
Learn more: Apple prepares iPhone 18 Pro with Face ID under the screen and 2 nanometer chip
Photographic evolution and unprecedented lithography in the iPhone 18 Pro family
In parallel with the flexible design, the conventional high-end line will receive its annual update with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The strategy of maintaining two premium chassis sizes remains unchanged, but the internal architecture will undergo a considerable leap. The engine of these machines will be the A20 Pro processor, also built on the 2 nanometer process, guaranteeing the greatest computing power ever embedded in a branded phone.
The image capture department will undergo a profound redesign, adopting a primary sensor with variable mechanical aperture and a brighter approximation lens, ensuring versatility in low-light scenarios. Energy autonomy will be supported by 5,235 mAh and 5,425 mAh components in the Max version. The official reveal will take place at the traditional autumn event in the northern hemisphere, in September 2026.
Portfolio expansion and native artificial intelligence on Google Pixel 11
Scheduled for August 12, 2026, the announcement of the Google Pixel 11 line moves global technology forums. Although the search giant does not officially sell its devices in Brazilian retail, the import of these models attracts enthusiasts looking for the Android system in its purest and most up-to-date form. The brain of the operation will be the Tensor G6 chip, focused on accelerating machine learning and neural processing tasks directly on the device.
Learn more: Samsung’s decision on the Galaxy S27 Ultra’s battery prioritizes safety and design
The hardware design hides surprises, such as the possible return of user-replaceable batteries and a completely redesigned lens module. The family will grow to four members: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold variant, with a thinner profile. Price tags on the European market will range from €879 to €1,799, figures that represent something between R$5,135 and R$10,510 in direct currency conversion.
Extreme technical specifications and focus on raw performance in the OnePlus 16
The October 2026 calendar reserves space for the OnePlus 16, which will arrive in stores accompanied by a Pro or Ultra variant aimed at the enthusiast audience. The Asian manufacturer has put together an aggressive specifications package, anchored by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro processor, Qualcomm’s flagship platform that promises to dominate stress tests in the Android ecosystem.
Power supply will be provided by a colossal 9,000 mAh cell, while visual fluidity will be guaranteed by a panel capable of updating images at 185 Hz or even 240 Hz, aimed directly at the gaming public. The market’s confidence in this launch is supported by the success of the current generation, as the OnePlus 15 occupies fourth place in the AnTuTu world speed ranking, paving the way for an even faster successor.
