Motorola appears poised to make a bold move in the foldable smartphone arena with a potential new book-style foldable device that could directly rival Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 7. While at least two Motorola handsets are expected to launch in 2026, recent hints suggest the company is preparing something uniquely captivating for early next year.
Can Samsung Face New Foldable Competition?
Samsung remains the dominant force in the foldable market as of Q3 2025, leading by a wide margin over Huawei. However, with Apple rumored to enter the foldable fray in 2026 and Motorola already gaining traction, Samsung’s early lead may soon be challenged significantly.
Motorola’s established Razr lineup already pressures Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7, but now a Motorola foldable designed to compete head-to-head with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 seems imminent. This inference comes from a cryptic holiday gift sent by Lenovo (Motorola’s parent company) to select tech journalists, featuring a notebook-like object emblazoned with the phrase “Every fold reveals a possibility.”
The package also invited recipients to watch Lenovo’s Tech World event on January 6, 2026, promising to “unfold new perspectives.” What looks like a simple notebook is actually a lamp that lights up bright red when opened like a book—an obvious metaphor for a book-style foldable device.
Would You Buy a Motorola Book-Style Foldable?
With Motorola’s intention clearer than ever, many expect the foldable unveiling to take place at Lenovo Tech World 2026, although whether the device will be commercially available immediately remains uncertain. Nonetheless, Motorola’s increasing focus on foldables presents a real threat to not only Samsung but also Huawei, Honor, and Vivo.
What to Expect at Lenovo Tech World 2026?
Historically, Lenovo’s early-year Tech World events emphasize laptops and desktops, with AI gaining greater spotlight annually. The 2026 event, hosted at the Las Vegas Sphere as part of CES, is themed “Smarter AI for all.” Besides potential AI innovations and new Android tablets, the debut of Motorola’s first book-style foldable could steal the show.
Is Motorola’s Late Entry Still a Threat?
Despite entering the book-style foldable category later than competitors, Motorola is far from out of the race. As this segment grows closer to mainstream adoption, there remains plenty of room for fresh and compelling devices. If Apple can make a splash in 2026, Motorola certainly has the capability to become a serious contender, especially if it emphasizes features and designs that set it apart.
Motorola is no stranger to foldables and aims to build on successes like the Razr Ultra. | Image Credit – PhoneArena
Most intriguing is the wooden-style finish of the teaser lamp, hinting that Motorola’s new foldable might boast a distinct, premium aesthetic not seen in today’s book-style foldables. This uniqueness alone could make Motorola’s forthcoming foldable an exciting prospect for consumers and industry watchers alike.
