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There’s no slowing down in the smartphone world and 2026 is going to be one of the most exciting years yet. From Samsung’s Galaxy TriFold to Apple’s long-rumoured iPhone Fold, tech giants are gearing up to push design and performance boundaries even further. Whether you love foldables, clamshells or camera beasts, there’s something big coming your way. Here’s a look at the six most anticipated premium phones launching in 2026. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Kicking off 2026, Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 Ultra, powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The device is rumoured to feature S Pen support, a larger 5400 mAh battery and the brand’s signature design refinements. Reports suggest Samsung could hold its Unpacked event in San Francisco on February 25, 2026, marking the debut of the entire Galaxy S26 lineup. Xiaomi 17 Pro Max Following Samsung’s flagship, Xiaomi is expected to launch the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max globally. After its China debut, the phone could arrive in India by Q1 2026. The 17 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch LTPO OLED display and a unique 2.9-inch secondary rear screen built into the camera module. Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Samsung has already confirmed its first tri-fold smartphone and it’s expected to make headlines this year. The Galaxy Z TriFold will reportedly launch in South Korea first, followed by limited availability in China, the US, and other markets in 2026. This triple-display concept could redefine multitasking and portability for premium users. Apple iPhone Fold After years of rumours, Apple’s first foldable iPhone might finally see the light of day. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone Fold will adopt a book-style folding mechanism similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold, and will initially be tested in black and white colour variants. If Apple sticks to the schedule, the foldable iPhone could make its debut in Fall 2026, marking a major design milestone for the brand. ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Release Date, Design, Camera, Specs, Price In India, And More, Everything We Know So Far Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 is another big name expected next year. Building on the Fold 7’s success, the upcoming model could reintroduce S Pen support, which was dropped from its predecessor. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is tipped to launch globally by July 2026. Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to launch alongside the iPhone Fold in September 2026, following Apple’s usual timeline. The device could feature a smaller Dynamic Island, a transparent rear finish, and other subtle design upgrades. It’s likely to be priced at around Rs 1,59,900 in India, cementing its position as one of the top-tier flagships of the year. Get Latest News live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Technology Science and around the world.