2026 Phones to Watch: iPhone Fold, iPhone 18 Pro, Pixel 11 and New Foldables
Mar 18th 2026
After a busy start to 2026, the smartphone year ahead looks driven by new foldables, camera-focused Ultra flagships, an altered Apple launch cycle, and supply and AI pressures that could shape what features reach consumers.
- Apple may delay the standard iPhone 18 to 2027 while launching iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max and an iPhone Fold in 2026.
- Rumors say iPhone 18 Pro models will add variable-aperture optics, a 2nm A20 Pro chip, and a smaller front sensor area using a punch-hole or under-display solution.
- Apple's first book-style iPhone Fold is expected to offer a roughly 7.8-inch inner display, a 5.5-inch cover screen, a thin 4.5mm profile, iOS 27 multitasking changes, and a price in the $1,800 to $2,500 range.
- Samsung is working on a Wide Fold with a wider 4:3 7.6-inch inner screen and may increase Galaxy Z Fold battery capacity to around 5,000 mAh while possibly bringing back S Pen support.
- Google's Pixel 11 series is likely to use a Tensor G6 focused on power efficiency, add new AI camera features, and keep an August flagship launch window.
- Motorola unveiled a Razr Fold at CES 2026 with an 8.1-inch main display and 6.6-inch cover screen and will continue a Razr lineup that varies by screen, chipset and optics.
- Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo plan Ultra flagships that emphasize larger sensors, advanced optics, and big batteries, including rumors of dual 200-megapixel cameras on Vivo's Ultra model.
- Industry-wide RAM shortages and intensified competition around generative AI are increasing pressure on phone makers to ship bolder designs and more useful software features.