The smartphone landscape in 2025 was marked by significant innovations, setting the stage for upcoming releases in 2026. Notable advancements included Samsung’s revamped Galaxy Z Fold and Apple’s introduction of the new, lightweight iPhone Air, signaling a departure from the incremental updates prevalent in 2024.
Looking ahead, predictions suggest that the folding phone category will gain traction, with potential entries from Apple and Samsung, including the anticipated iPhone Fold and the Galaxy Z TriFold in the U.S. market.
Apple's recent unveiling of the iPhone 17 series featured enhancements such as an 18-megapixel front camera and improved cooling systems for Pro models. For 2026, Apple might alter its launch strategy, possibly delaying the standard iPhone 18 to early 2027 to accommodate the release of the iPhone Fold.
In September 2026, consumers can expect the launch of the next-generation iPhone Air 2, along with the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18E are projected for a March 2027 release, illustrating Apple's evolving product timeline.