2026 Smartphone & Tablet Forecast – Brand-by-Brand Update
Here is the latest confirmed roadmap from each major brand so you can plan your Q1–Q2 deployments with confidence.
Samsung – The Widest Enterprise Range
Samsung starts the year strong. The Galaxy S26 series (expected late January) will feature the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, 50 MP ultra-wide cameras, brighter displays, and larger batteries across all models. The Galaxy A56 and A36 5G mid-range line arrives in March with four years of OS updates and five years of security patches – perfect for cost-conscious retail and logistics fleets. On the rugged side, the XCover 8 launches Q1 with improved drop protection and glove-touch support. The Galaxy Tab S10 series (already available) continues to lead enterprise tablets with DeX desktop mode and optional 5G.
Apple – Full Line Refresh
Apple has its busiest year in a decade.
- iPhone17 standard & iPhone 17 Air (September 2026) – A19 chip, thinner design,ProMotion displays on more models.
- iPadPro & iPad Air updates expected May with M5 chip and OLED option.
Current iPhone 16, 15, and 14 Pro Enterprise models remain fully supported until 2031, and we keep healthy volumes of all generations in our UK warehouse year-round.
Google – AI and Long-Term Support Leader
The Pixel 11 series lands August 2026 with the new Tensor G5 chip, satellite SOS as standard, and enhanced Gemini AI. Google continues its seven-year update promise, making the Pixel 10 and Pixel 9a Enterprise some of the longest-supported Android devices on the market today – ideal for public sector and education clients who need devices that last.
Motorola – Rugged and Business-Focused Growth
Motorola is making big moves in the enterprise space.
- ThinkPhone2 (Q1 2026) – business-first device with ThinkShield security and desktop ReadyFor mode
- Edge70 series – premium features at mid-range pricing
- MotoG 2026 range – expanded 5G coverage and longer battery life
- Defy2 satellite edition – direct-to-satellite messaging for remote workers
- Current Edge 50 series, ThinkPhone 25, and Defy rugged models are all in stock and ready for immediate deployment.
Foldables – Now a Serious Business Tool
Foldable shipments grow 6 % globally in 2026. The Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 plus Google Pixel Fold 2 will bring larger coverscreens, thinner hinges, and better multitasking. Today’s Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 are already widely used for field sales and dual-screen workflows.
Why New Way International
Since 2003 we have been the UK’s leading independent multi-brand distributor with £550 million turnover and offices in London, Germany, Holland, Dubai, and Miami. We hold deep warehouse stock of current, previous-generation, and end-of-life devices from Samsung, Apple, Google, and Motorola. That means you always have one reliable source, credit approved in hours, MDM enrolment included, and same-day UK dispatch.
