Techno-Guide 2026: What Are Apple and Samsung Preparing, and When Will GTA 6 Finally Be Released?

Tamir Shakirov

What to Expect from Apple in 2026? Let’s Break It Down Briefly.

iPhone 17e. Early in the year, specifically in spring, the predecessor to the iPhone 16e—the iPhone 17e—may be unveiled. It’s expected to feature wireless MagSafe charging, a Dynamic Island instead of a notch, and an updated body design.

MacBook. For the first time in its history, Apple is set to introduce budget MacBooks. These devices are expected to start at $600 USD. This pricing is made possible by ditching expensive chips and switching to the Apple A18 Pro, as used in the iPhone 16 Pro. The processor will handle everyday tasks excellently.

iPhone 18 Pro / iPhone 18 Pro Max. Flagships are expected in the fall. Anticipated improvements include new body colors, a more powerful processor, and an enhanced camera. The design will remain the same.

iPhone Fold. There’s been a flood of rumors and leaks about Apple’s first foldable smartphone. It’s expected to feature a 24-megapixel camera fully hidden under a flexible screen, possibly replacing Face ID with Touch ID integrated into a side button. The iPhone Fold may be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max.

iPhone 18 / iPhone 18e. The launch of the base and simplified models will likely happen in early 2027 or spring.

Also in 2026, Apple will release several versions of new iPads, Apple Watch 12, and 4 Ultra models.

When Will the S26 Launch, and What Else to Expect from Samsung in 2026?

S26 / S26+ / S26 Ultra. The new generation of Samsung’s flagship devices—S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra—will be unveiled at the annual Unpacked event on February 25, a month later than last year’s Samsung S25 launch. Sales of the S26 lineup are scheduled to start in March 2026. Prices may rise by $30-60. No major improvements are expected. The S26 Ultra might get more powerful wireless charging and a redesigned camera block.

Samsung Z Flip 8 / Z Flip 8 FE / Z Fold 8. The launch of Samsung’s foldable smartphones is planned for summer 2026, specifically July. The Fold version will likely get a camera like the Galaxy S flagships. A key difference from the Samsung Z Fold 7 will be an improved ultrawide camera with a 50-megapixel sensor, offering high detail and quality shooting in low light.

S26 Edge. Initially considered an extended flagship version, this model was canceled due to poor sales of the S25 Edge released in Q2 2025.

Samsung A27 / A37 / A57. Samsung will continue its budget A-series with A07 and A17, releasing three new devices—A27, A37, and A57—in February-March. These gadgets will likely feature a 120Hz AMOLED screen and a 5000mAh battery. The Samsung A27 and A37 will use the Exynos 1480 processor, while the A57 gets the Exynos 1680 for better energy efficiency, graphics performance, and support for new connectivity standards.

Galaxy Ring 2. It’s expected that alongside the S26 flagships at the Galaxy Unpacked presentation, an updated smart ring from Galaxy will launch. Preliminary data suggests it will differ from Galaxy Ring 1 with a thinner design and new battery. The Galaxy Ring 2 may also gain an NFC module for contactless payments.

When Will Xiaomi 17 Hit the Global Market—Is It Soon?

Xiaomi 17. In September 2025, Xiaomi released the new Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max lineup, followed by the photo-flagship Xiaomi 17 Ultra at the end of December 2025. Half a year after the Xiaomi 17 launch, the company decided to bring its smartphones to the global market. As early as March, the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra will launch globally, unfortunately without the Pro versions featuring a unique camera block design with a built-in 2.66-inch screen. Reports indicate you can order the Chinese version, but with limitations and no Russian language in the firmware.

Will Google Surprise Us with New Smartphones This Year?

Google Pixel 11. In fall 2026, expect the new Google Pixel 11 lineup. The design may not differ much from the Google Pixel 10, but the smartphone will get a next-gen chip, an improved camera block, new colors, and a larger battery.

Should We Expect the Release of GTA 6 and PlayStation 6 in 2026?

PlayStation 6. Don’t expect a new gaming console from Sony in 2026, as the previous PlayStation 5 still handles the latest video games and delivers high performance.

GTA 6. Unlike the PlayStation 6, the presumed release date is already known. According to an official announcement from Rockstar Games, the release date for the long-awaited video game is November 19, 2026. The game’s setting is Vice City in the fictional state of Leonida.

///nCa, 29 January 2026