It has been a busy yr for the smartphone world. 2024 kicked off with a slew of launches, from Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo and Xiaomi, and Google introduced the Pixel 8A simply earlier than its I/O convention. However there are nonetheless loads of new telephones to count on earlier than the yr is over, offered Apple, Samsung and Google observe their standard patterns.
Samsung, for instance, often introduces new foldable phones at a summer time occasion. This yr, there is a Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10 in Paris., whereas Apple sometimes holds its annual iPhone launch occasion each September. Google follows in October with new Pixels.
Learn extra: Best Phone for 2024
As for what to anticipate, synthetic intelligence will possible be an enormous theme on this yr’s telephones. We have already seen that with the Galaxy S24 household, which is the primary to incorporate Samsung’s new Galaxy AI features, in addition to final yr’s Pixel 8 collection.
Generative AI, or AI that may generate content material when prompted primarily based on coaching knowledge, had a breakout second in 2023 due to the success of ChatGPT. However 2024 will check what these AI-powered options really carry to the cellphone expertise, particularly as new devoted AI devices just like the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin are trying to maneuver past the smartphone.
Apart from new AI-powered options, we’re anticipating corporations like Apple, Samsung and Google to proceed bettering the cameras and processors inside their upcoming telephones.
Here is a take a look at probably the most anticipated telephones from the business’s greatest gamers in 2024. The listing beneath consists of telephones that appear prone to debut this yr primarily based on earlier launch patterns, and we’ll proceed to replace this listing as new rumors and stories emerge.
Learn extra: Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra Could Be Doing So Much More With AI
Watch this: Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely Assessment: Extra AI at a Increased Price
Apple
iPhone 16 lineup
Apple launched the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max in September.
What to anticipate: Apple launches new iPhones each September, and we now have no cause to imagine this yr shall be any completely different. All iPhone 16 fashions are anticipated to get upgraded microphones to enhance Siri efficiency, in accordance with well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The change would come as Apple is alleged to be ramping up the iPhone’s AI options, Bloomberg stories.
In any other case, the iPhone 16 household is rumored to get a brand new A18 chip from Apple, with the Professional fashions getting a model referred to as the A18 Professional Bionic, analyst Jeff Pu stories, in accordance with MacRumors. Apple can also carry the Motion button to all iPhone 16 fashions, not simply the Professional, in accordance with Bloomberg. The digicam on the common iPhone 16 Professional can be anticipated to get a tetraprism telephoto lens just like the iPhone 15 Professional Max, Kuo also reports, which means it will possible have a 5x telephoto zoom as an alternative of 3x. And there might even be a brand new devoted button for capturing video, as Bloomberg additionally stories. Read our full iPhone 16 rumor roundup.
Why we’re enthusiastic about it: The iPhone 16 appears like it will likely be a modest improve over the iPhone 15 household, however I am keen on seeing Apple’s tackle how AI can enhance the smartphone expertise. Siri is anticipated to be an enormous a part of that, and I am wanting ahead to Siri evolving into greater than only a fast solution to set timers or test tomorrow’s climate forecast.
iPhone SE 4
The 2022 iPhone SE.
What to anticipate: Apple’s next budget-friendly iPhone may get an overhaul, if stories from MacRumors and TF Worldwide Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo become true. Apple might use a modified model of the iPhone 14’s chassis for the subsequent iPhone SE, which means it will have a 6.1-inch display screen in contrast with the present model’s 4.7-inch show, in accordance with MacRumors.The positioning also reports that fashionable options like Face ID, the Motion button and USB-C charging are additionally coming to the subsequent iPhone SE.
As for timing, the iPhone SE’s launch sample is a little more tough to foretell than its commonplace iPhones. Apple launched the primary iPhone SE in 2016 however did not launch a second mannequin till 2020. The third-generation iPhone SE got here in 2022, resulting in some hypothesis that its successor may arrive in 2024. However MacRumors’ intel suggests it may very well be on monitor for a 2025 launch.
Why we’re enthusiastic about it: Apple’s tiny iPhone is in want of an improve. Whereas it runs on the identical A15 Bionic processor because the iPhone 14, its iPhone 8-like design is beginning to really feel dated. A contemporary model of Apple’s extra inexpensive iPhone with a bigger display screen — and hopefully a secondary digicam — could be a lot appreciated.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Galaxy Z Fold 5.
What to anticipate: Samsung despatched out invitations final week to a Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10. We count on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to be revealed on the occasion. It will in all probability embody Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and Galaxy AI similar to the Galaxy S24 lineup.
The corporate additionally often makes minor design enhancements with every Z Fold technology. This yr, Samsung could give the Galaxy Z Fold 6 a boxier form with flat edges, reports SmartPrix, which collaborated with well-known gadget leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer (generally known as @OnLeaks on X) to publish what it claims are renders exhibiting what the cellphone may appear like. Usually-reliable Samsung leaker Ice Universe posted a photograph that purportedly exhibits the highest of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, indicating it may certainly have a wider and boxier design.
A Samsung patent has generated speculation that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 may get an S Pen slot for the primary time, which might make it a lot simpler to stow and rapidly entry the stylus. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 would not include an S Pen within the field, so hopefully the inclusion of a devoted slot on the Z Fold 6 would imply that will change.
Nevertheless, since that is only a patent, it is unclear if this displays Samsung’s precise plans for future Galaxy Z Fold units. What’s maybe extra thrilling is the concept that Samsung may very well be launching a number of variations of the Galaxy Z Fold. The corporate is reportedly popping out with a less expensive model of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, in accordance with Korean information web site The Elec, whereas Galaxy Club stories that an much more premium Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra may very well be within the works.
Why we’re enthusiastic about it: The unique Galaxy Z Fold was among the many first foldable telephones you would purchase when it launched again in 2019, and Samsung has refined its design and performance over the past couple of years. Samsung’s Received-Joon Choi additionally teased that the corporate is tailoring Galaxy AI features for particular forms of units, like foldables and tablets, somewhat than simply copy-and-pasting what’s already accessible on the Galaxy S24 lineup. With that in thoughts, I am wanting ahead to seeing whether or not Samsung has something unique and new to carry to the subsequent Galaxy Z Fold by way of software program.
And if the rumors and hypothesis a couple of cheaper model of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and an S Pen slot become true, Samsung could also be addressing a few of our greatest criticisms in regards to the Z Fold with its subsequent mannequin.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
The Galaxy Z Flip 5.
What to anticipate: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 represented an enormous leap over the Z Flip 4 due to its bigger cowl display screen, which makes it doable to make use of the system with out having to open it. As such, there’s an opportunity we cannot see dramatic design adjustments within the Galaxy Z Flip 6, which is able to possible debut on the July Galaxy Unpacked occasion.
However we expect to see it inherit among the Galaxy S24’s traits, resembling a brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and Galaxy AI options. Nevertheless, as is prone to be the case with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, there’s an opportunity Samsung will customise Galaxy AI options particularly for the Z Flip 6. Samsung’s new foldable telephones sometimes run on the identical processors as the corporate’s flagship Galaxy S telephones. However leaked specs that appeared on the benchmarking platform Geekbench suggest Samsung may very well be testing a mannequin with an older processor, weblog SamMobile reported. Samsung can also improve core elements of the cellphone, just like the digicam and battery life, with weblog Galaxy Club reporting an even bigger battery and a sharper, 50-megapixel digicam.
Why we’re enthusiastic about it: With its bigger cowl display screen and sleeker design, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is already considered one of our favourite foldable telephones. With the Galaxy Z Flip 6, I am hoping to see extra use circumstances for the quilt display screen and a lower cost.
Google Pixel 9 and 9 Professional
The Pixel 8 Professional (left) and Pixel 8 (proper) are Google’s newest fashions.
What to anticipate: Primarily based on what we have seen with the Pixel 8 family and Galaxy S24 lineup, it is in all probability protected to imagine we’ll be seeing much more new AI-powered options on the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. Late final yr, Google launched its AI model Gemini, which runs on the Pixel 8 Pro to energy options like dialog summaries within the Recorder app. The mannequin also powers among the new Galaxy AI options on the Galaxy S24 lineup, together with these discovered within the Samsung Notes and Voice Recorder apps. Extra lately, Google said it’s bringing Gemini Nano to the common Pixel 8 as a developer choice, too. It appears believable that Google would construct on that by including extra AI-fueled capabilities to its subsequent Pixels.
In any other case, we will possible count on routine upgrades like a brand new Tensor processor and digicam enhancements. Ross Younger, CEO of Show Provide Chain Consultants, additionally says the brand new telephones may have bigger screens than the Pixel 8 technology, in accordance with a post on X, though a more moderen report from Hemmerstoffer and MySmartPrice suggests the Professional mannequin may have a smaller 6.5-inch show. The Pixel 9 Professional can also get a refreshed design with flat edges that resembles the iPhone, in accordance with that very same report.
Why we’re enthusiastic about it: Google’s Pixel telephones are often amongst CNET’s favourite telephones of the yr. The Pixel 8 technology felt like an early take a look at Google’s new AI-focused course for smartphones, and I think about Google will apply learnings and suggestions from the Pixel 8 to the Pixel 9. Plus, on condition that the Pixel 8 Professional’s digicam didn’t impress CNET reviewer Andrew Lanxon the way he had hoped, I would wish to see Google make up for that with the Pixel 9 Professional.
Primarily based on the rumors, stories and bulletins to this point, this yr’s telephones ought to carry a steadiness of recent AI options and updates to current staples like efficiency and design upgrades. Though AI nonetheless has to show its objective in telephones, the concept of software program options that really carry one thing new and helpful to telephones is refreshing.
