It's already been a busy year for smartphone launches thanks to the arrival of Samsung's Galaxy S24 lineup, the OnePlus 12 and 12R, and Oppo's Find X7 Ultra. But if companies like Apple, Samsung and Google follow their usual patterns, there are still plenty of new phones to expect throughout 2024. 

Samsung, for example, usually introduces new foldable phones around August, while Apple typically holds its annual iPhone launch event every September. Google follows in October with new Pixels. 

As for what to expect, artificial intelligence will likely be a big theme in this year's phones. We've already seen that with the Galaxy S24 family, which is the first to include Samsung's new Galaxy AI features, as well as last year's Pixel 8 series. 

Generative AI, or AI that can generate content when prompted based on training data, had a breakout moment in 2023 thanks to the success of ChatGPT. But 2024 will test how truly useful these AI-powered features are, particularly when it comes to smartphones. 

Aside from new AI-powered features, we're expecting companies like Apple, Samsung and Google to continue improving the cameras and processors inside their upcoming phones. 

Here's a look at the most anticipated phones from the industry's biggest players in 2024. The list below includes phones that seem likely to launch this year based on previous launch

Apple

iPhone 16 lineup

Apple launched the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max in September. 

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What to expect: Apple launches new iPhones every September, and we have no reason to believe this year will be any different. All iPhone 16 models are expected to get upgraded microphones to improve Siri performance, according to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The change would come as Apple is said to be ramping up the iPhone's AI features, Bloomberg reports.

Otherwise, the iPhone 16 family is rumored to get a new A18 chip from Apple, with the Pro models getting a version called the A18 Pro Bionic, analyst Jeff Pu reports according to MacRumors. The camera on the regular iPhone 16 Pro is also expected to get a tetraprism telephoto lens like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Kuo also reports, meaning it would likely have a 5x telephoto zoom instead of 3x. Read our full iPhone 16 rumor roundup.

Why we're excited about it: The iPhone 16 sounds like it will be a modest upgrade over the iPhone 15 family, but I'm interested in seeing Apple's take on how AI can improve the smartphone experience. Siri is expected to be a big part of that, and I'm looking forward to Siri evolving into more than just a quick way to set timers or check tomorrow's weather forecast. 

iPhone SE 4

The 2022 iPhone SE.

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What to expect: Apple's next budget-friendly iPhone could get an overhaul, if reports from MacRumors and TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo turn out to be true. Apple may use a modified version of the iPhone 14's chassis for the next iPhone SE, meaning it would have a 6.1-inch screen compared with the current version's 4.7-inch display, according to MacRumors.The site also reports that modern features like Face ID, the Action button and USB-C charging are also coming to the next iPhone SE. 

As for timing, the iPhone SE's launch pattern is a bit more difficult to predict than its standard iPhones. Apple launched the first iPhone SE in 2016 but didn't release a second model until 2020. The third-generation iPhone SE came in 2022, leading to some speculation that its successor could arrive in 2024. 

Why we're excited about it: Apple's tiny iPhone is in need of an upgrade. While it runs on the same A15 Bionic processor as the iPhone 14, its iPhone 8-like design is starting to feel dated. A modern version of Apple's more affordable iPhone with a larger screen -- and hopefully a secondary camera -- would be much appreciated. 

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

The Galaxy Z Fold 5.

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What to expect: If Samsung keeps with its regular routine, we can expect to see the Galaxy Z Fold 6 around August. It'll probably include Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and Galaxy AI just like the Galaxy S24 lineup. The company also usually makes minor design improvements with each Z Fold generation. 

A Samsung patent has generated speculation that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 could get an S Pen slot for the first time, which would make it much easier to stow and quickly access the stylus. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 doesn't come with an S Pen in the box, so hopefully the inclusion of a dedicated slot on the Z Fold 6 would mean that would change. 

However, since this is just a patent, it's unclear if this reflects Samsung's actual plans for future Galaxy Z Fold devices. What's perhaps more exciting is the idea that Samsung could be coming out with a cheaper version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, according to Korean news site The Elec.

Why we're excited about it: The original Galaxy Z Fold was among the first foldable phones you could buy when it launched back in 2019, and Samsung has refined its design and functionality over the last couple of years. Samsung's Won-Joon Choi also teased that the company is tailoring Galaxy AI features for specific types of devices, like foldables and tablets, rather than just copy-and-pasting what's already available on the Galaxy S24 lineup. With that in mind, I'm looking forward to seeing whether Samsung has anything exclusive and new to bring to the next Galaxy Z Fold in terms of software.

And if the rumors and speculation about a cheaper version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and an S Pen slot turn out to be true, Samsung may be addressing some of our biggest criticisms about the Z Fold with its next model. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

The Galaxy Z Flip 5.

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What to expect: Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 5 represented a big leap over the Z Flip 4 thanks to its larger cover screen, which makes it possible to use the device without having to open it. As such, there's a chance we won't see dramatic design changes in the Galaxy Z Flip 6, which will likely debut around August if Samsung maintains its usual schedule. 

But we are expecting to see it inherit some of the Galaxy S24's characteristics, such as a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and Galaxy AI features. However, as is likely to be the case with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, there's a chance Samsung will customize Galaxy AI features specifically for the Z Flip 6. 

Why we're excited about it: With its larger cover screen and sleeker design, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is already one of our favorite foldable phones. With the Galaxy Z Flop 6, I'm hoping to see more use cases for the cover screen and a lower price.