CES 2026: How Emerging Technology is Shaping the Year Ahead
An expert breakdown of CES 2026, exploring how robotics, intelligent devices, and next‑gen computing are shaping technology and professional workflows in 2026.
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- Samsung’s newest foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, are off to a red-hot start—setting preorder records in the U.S. and signaling a turning point for mainstream foldable adoption.
- According to Samsung, preorders for the Galaxy Z Fold7 jumped 50% compared to the Fold6 launch last year. Combined with the Flip7, the duo’s overall preorder volume was more than 25% higher than their predecessors—marking the most successful foldable launch in the company’s U.S. history.
- “The response from U.S. consumers has been unprecedented,” said a Samsung spokesperson. “It’s clear that foldables are no longer niche—they’re leading innovation in the smartphone category.”
- AI Features and Vibrant Design Fuel the Buzz
- Samsung attributes the preorder boom to two key upgrades in the Fold7/Flip7 lineup:
- AI-powered camera systems capable of real-time scene optimization, intelligent zoom, and dynamic portrait lighting—positioning the devices as creator-ready.
- A smarter, more intuitive AI-driven UI that learns user habits and adapts to context, making multitasking on a foldable feel seamless.
- Beyond specs, design choices also played a major role. The Blue Shadow (Fold7) and Coralred (Flip7) models were standout favorites in preorder sales, reinforcing that visual identity matters more than ever in a saturated premium phone market.
- Foldables Go Mainstream in 2025
- For years, foldable smartphones were seen as futuristic but impractical. With the Fold7 and Flip7, that narrative seems to be shifting.
- Durability improvements, including stronger hinge mechanisms and Gorilla Glass Flex2, help consumers feel more confident about daily use.
- Battery life gains of up to 15% over last-gen models address one of the top concerns about foldables.
- Samsung’s success could push more OEMs to invest in the foldable form factor—not just as a tech demo, but as a serious flagship contender.
- 🇺🇸 U.S. Market Leading the Charge
- Interestingly, it’s the U.S. market—often slower to adopt new phone formats—that’s now becoming a key foldable battleground. Analysts suggest Samsung’s aggressive carrier partnerships, limited-time preorder perks, and savvy Gen Z marketing helped unlock a new tier of demand.
- “This is a wake-up call for Apple,” said Anya Lopez, a mobile industry analyst at StratEdge Research. “Samsung is turning foldables into lifestyle icons—not just gadgets. And now they're doing it with scale.”
- What’s Next?
- The Fold7 and Flip7 officially hit stores in mid-August, with early shipments expected to begin the second week of the month. Preorder customers can still grab exclusive accessories and color-matching bundles through Samsung’s online store and major carriers.
- Final Word
- Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 aren't just upgrades—they're a signal that the foldable phone is finally coming into its own. With AI-enhanced functionality, eye-catching designs, and record-breaking U.S. preorders, Samsung is making it clear: 2025 is the year of the fold.
- Stay with Cortex Hub for continued coverage on mobile innovation, AI trends, and the future of smartphone form factors.
Samsung’s newest foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, are off to a red-hot start—setting preorder records in the U.S. and signaling a turning point for mainstream foldable adoption.
According to Samsung, preorders for the Galaxy Z Fold7 jumped 50% compared to the Fold6 launch last year. Combined with the Flip7, the duo’s overall preorder volume was more than 25% higher than their predecessors—marking the most successful foldable launch in the company’s U.S. history.
“The response from U.S. consumers has been unprecedented,” said a Samsung spokesperson. “It’s clear that foldables are no longer niche—they’re leading innovation in the smartphone category.”
AI Features and Vibrant Design Fuel the Buzz
Samsung attributes the preorder boom to two key upgrades in the Fold7/Flip7 lineup:
AI-powered camera systems capable of real-time scene optimization, intelligent zoom, and dynamic portrait lighting—positioning the devices as creator-ready.
A smarter, more intuitive AI-driven UI that learns user habits and adapts to context, making multitasking on a foldable feel seamless.
Beyond specs, design choices also played a major role. The Blue Shadow (Fold7) and Coralred (Flip7) models were standout favorites in preorder sales, reinforcing that visual identity matters more than ever in a saturated premium phone market.
Foldables Go Mainstream in 2025
For years, foldable smartphones were seen as futuristic but impractical. With the Fold7 and Flip7, that narrative seems to be shifting.
Durability improvements, including stronger hinge mechanisms and Gorilla Glass Flex2, help consumers feel more confident about daily use.
Battery life gains of up to 15% over last-gen models address one of the top concerns about foldables.
Samsung’s success could push more OEMs to invest in the foldable form factor—not just as a tech demo, but as a serious flagship contender.
🇺🇸 U.S. Market Leading the Charge
Interestingly, it’s the U.S. market—often slower to adopt new phone formats—that’s now becoming a key foldable battleground. Analysts suggest Samsung’s aggressive carrier partnerships, limited-time preorder perks, and savvy Gen Z marketing helped unlock a new tier of demand.
