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Jul 22
Samsung's next Galaxy phones may deepen Qualcomm reliance, underscoring the limits of Exynos revival
Samsung Electronics is expected to rely heavily on Qualcomm chips in its next Galaxy phones, according to market reports, a sign that the company is still prioritizing flagship performance and AI features over wider use of its in-house Exynos processors. The expected shift comes as memory prices rise and pressure builds on smartphone costs.

Apple has entered mass production of its upcoming iPhone 18 lineup, with manufacturing partners ramping output earlier than usual as the company prepares for what could be one of its most strategically significant product launches in recent years.

Samsung Electronics unveiled three new foldable smartphones at its annual Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, 2026, including the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, and Galaxy Z Fold Ultra. The Galaxy Z Fold8's move from a tall, narrow form factor to a passport-like wide-screen design stood out as the biggest surprise, raising questions over why Samsung chose the standard Fold 8 rather than the top-end Ultra model for the new format.
Apple plans to introduce a new device leasing program, marking a significant departure from how it has previously sold its products. The new payments scheme may help convince customers to keep investing in hardware at a time when rising component costs are forcing smartphone companies to raise their prices.
Samsung Electronics used its annual Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, 2026, to signal a broader push into foldable smartphones that could influence device trends worldwide. The company launched the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, and a new Galaxy Z Fold Ultra, emphasizing durability, portability, and more distinct product tiers.

Samsung Electronics is cutting over 800 jobs in the US from its smartphone, display, and consumer electronics business units. The division, part of Samsung Group, is facing a challenging market this year, in contrast to the soaring performance of its chip unit.

As frequency-control components move toward higher frequencies and smaller form factors, Tai-Saw Technology is leveraging synergies across its diversified product portfolio to expand into optical communications, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and drone supply chains. Tight industry capacity and rising raw material costs, however, have extended lead times for some products to 10–12 weeks, prompting the company to gradually expand production.

The global race toward 6G has entered a new phase after the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) finalized the development timeline for Release 21—the first official 6G standards release—at its plenary meeting in Singapore in June 2026.

AI data center expansion and high-speed network upgrades continue to support demand for networking equipment. However, as the industry enters the second half of 2026, supplies of key components—including memory, printed circuit boards (PCBs) and passive components—remain tight, with lead times extending significantly.

OnePlus is exiting the North American and European markets for its future product launches, while sales of new Realme products will be suspended within its home market of China. The changes to both Oppo sub-brands signal the challenges low- to mid-tier brands face amid rising component costs and a tough global smartphone market this year.

Apple Intelligence has passed a key regulatory milestone in China, bringing the iPhone maker closer to launching generative AI features for mainland users after a prolonged delay.