Hold Off on That Foldable Phone Purchase for Now!

The year 2026 is shaping up to be pivotal for foldable smartphones, arguably the most significant since the launch of the original Galaxy Fold in 2019. Multiple companies are entering the foldable arena, while established brands are implementing genuinely innovative enhancements.

So, what does this mean for consumers? Initially, it might seem that 2026 is the prime time to invest in a folding phone. And indeed it is! However, the suggestion is to wait a bit longer.

Exciting developments are imminent in the world of foldable devices, and the critical phrase here is “imminent.” While it may be wise to consider purchasing a folding phone this year, it’s best to hold off for now.

The Motorola Razr Fold stands out as one of the finest folding smartphones available, boasting top-tier design, displays, cameras, battery life, and software tailored for the foldable market in the U.S. Although Motorola took its time to enter this segment, the Razr Fold has proven to be a worthwhile addition.

However, what’s the rationale behind waiting when the Razr Fold is already on the market since May? My caution against buying isn’t a reflection of the phone’s quality but rather a matter of timing. Motorola frequently implements significant discounts on its devices, more so than most smartphone manufacturers in the U.S.

A case in point is the previous Razr Ultra model. Released in May 2025 at a premium retail price of $1,300 for the 512GB variant and $1,500 for 1TB, it soon saw steep discounts. By August, Motorola was offering the 1TB Razr Ultra for $1,100, along with a $200 trade-in discount, and later, it fell to just $800 – an impressive $700 reduction.

This pattern is typical for Motorola devices, and it’s reasonable to expect the Razr Fold to follow suit. While we can’t predict when the first notable discount on the Razr Fold will happen, it’s advisable to wait for one of those promotions.

Samsung’s current offerings in the foldable segment are commendable. The Galaxy Z Flip 7, though not without its flaws, represents the best iteration of the Flip. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 still houses innovative hardware nearly a year later.

Nevertheless, buying either model at this juncture in 2026 isn’t advisable. With the Flip 8 and Fold 8 set to be unveiled soon, as confirmed by Samsung, it’s wise to wait until the new models are revealed on July 22.

The Flip 7 and Fold 7 won’t lose their value overnight just because their successors are approaching, but waiting a couple of weeks to see the newest innovations could be beneficial. If the new models don’t impress you, discounts on the previous models will likely be greater once the new releases are announced. Conversely, if you like what the new models offer, your patience will have been worth it.

No discussion about foldable phones in 2026 would be complete without addressing Apple. After much speculation, 2026 seems to be the year we finally see a folding iPhone, rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra.

Even fans of Android would be wise to hold off on a folding purchase now that Apple’s entry is around the corner. While Apple may have its shortcomings, its hardware is typically top-notch.

Admittedly, it seems somewhat unusual for Apple to launch its first foldable phone when Samsung is already on its eighth iteration. However, Apple often takes its time to enter new markets, and when it does, it usually results in a quality product. What has emerged of the iPhone Ultra appears promising, and with its anticipated early September debut, those interested in folding devices should keep an eye out for Apple’s announcements.

This year promises a wealth of exciting developments in the foldable smartphone realm. I’m especially eager to see how aggressively Motorola discounts the outstanding Razr Fold. For those less enthusiastic about Samsung, the prospect of a wider Galaxy Z Fold is promising. Even though I lean away from iPhones, I can’t deny my curiosity regarding how the iPhone Ultra will turn out.

Significant changes are imminent in the foldable market, and they won’t be delayed for long. Discounts on the Razr Fold should surface within a few months, Samsung is set to unveil its new devices at the end of July, and the iPhone Ultra is expected to arrive in September. Therefore, purchasing a foldable phone at this moment is likely ill-advised.

In just a couple of months, the landscape will be dramatically different; this waiting period will prove more than worthwhile.