What Are the Most Anticipated Upcoming Phones?
The next wave of flagship phones is expected to come from all the usual major players, with Samsung, Apple, Google, Xiaomi, and OnePlus all lining up significant releases expected to bring more powerful AI, improved cameras, longer battery life, and new designs. Samsung’s Galaxy S series is expected to arrive first in early 2027, with a faster processor, upgraded AI features, improved cameras, brighter displays, and faster charging. On the Apple side, rumors point to a major anniversary release, with talk of a redesigned iPhone, a more advanced foldable model, and notable upgrades to AI, cameras, and battery life.
Are Foldable Phones Becoming More Mainstream?
Yes — foldables are expanding fast, and Samsung is leading that charge. Reports indicate Samsung is preparing five new foldable devices for 2027, including the Fold 9, Fold 9 Ultra, Flip 9, a Z TriFold successor, and a new wider-format foldable model. Rather than simply making devices bigger, Samsung’s strategy is shifting toward smarter, more user-centric designs, with wider displays optimized for video and everyday usability. Expect a staged release too — analysts anticipate an early announcement followed by a broader rollout starting with premium models before more affordable versions follow.
What Makes These Foldables Different From Earlier Models?
Durability has been one of the biggest complaints about foldables, and that’s a major focus for upcoming models. New hinge designs are expected to use more durable, low-friction materials for smoother folding and a longer device lifespan, alongside flexible display materials engineered to noticeably reduce the visible crease. The result should be foldables that feel less fragile and less compromised compared to a standard flat-screen phone.
Is On-Device AI a Bigger Deal in Upcoming Phones?
Yes, significantly. Recent flagship phones have already shown how far this trend can go — phones with advanced neural processing hardware can run AI features entirely on-device rather than depending on the cloud, enabling faster and more capable computational photography and everyday AI tasks. Expect upcoming phones from every major brand to lean further into this, with AI increasingly used for photo editing, translation, and voice assistance handled directly on the device.
Which Upcoming Phones Should You Actually Watch For?
A few devices stand out heading into the next release cycle:
- Samsung Galaxy S27 series — expected to lead with a faster chipset and expanded Galaxy AI features.
- Apple’s next iPhone lineup — rumored to include a major redesign and improved foldable hardware.
- Google Pixel 12 series — likely to lean heavily into AI-driven photography and voice features.
- Xiaomi 18 Ultra and OnePlus 16 Pro — both expected to push flagship-level cameras and charging speeds at more competitive prices.
- Samsung’s expanded foldable lineup — including the Fold 9, Fold 9 Ultra, Flip 9, and a new TriFold model.
Should You Wait for the Next Release, or Buy Now?
If your current phone is working fine, it’s reasonable to wait — this upcoming cycle brings meaningful upgrades rather than minor spec bumps, particularly around AI and foldable design. If you need a phone right now, today’s flagships remain solid, capable devices; you’re simply trading a bit of future-proofing for not having to wait. Either way, the biggest differences in upcoming phones will show up in AI capability and foldable durability, not just camera megapixels or screen size.