Comply with ZDNET: Add us as a most well-liked supply on Google.
Cellular World Congress (MWC) 2026 is shaping as much as be a landmark occasion. Coming shortly after the newest flagship reveals from Samsung and Google, the Barcelona showcase is able to pivot the dialog towards the breakthrough tendencies and {hardware} improvements that may outline the remainder of the 12 months, and ZDNET is on the bottom with front-row seats.
Additionally: What to anticipate at MWC 2026: Finest telephones I am anticipating from Xiaomi, Motorola, and extra
As is custom, business giants like Xiaomi and Honor are set to dominate the exhibition ground, with their very own keynotes scheduled for the weekend. Whereas Google and Samsung will keep their very own presence, the main focus will doubtless be on ecosystem integration moderately than main new {hardware}.
In fact, the actual magic of MWC typically lies within the “showstopper” — that surprising, boundary-pushing reveal that catches your entire business off guard. We’ll be looking out for that over the approaching days, because the showfloor formally opens on Monday, March 2, and runs via the remainder of the week.
When is MWC 2026?
This 12 months’s MWC will run from March 2 to March 5, however producers sometimes announce merchandise as early because the weekend earlier than. Whereas the commerce present was constructed round members of the press, analysts, enterprise companions, and types, anybody can entry the present ground by buying a ticket for about $1,028.
Newest updates (refresh for modifications)
By Kerry Wan, Editor in Chief / Feb. 28
I simply received out of Xiaomi’s Saturday launch occasion, the place the Chinese language electronics maker introduced a barrage of merchandise, starting from flagship telephones and Gemini-supported wearables to a next-generation Gran Turismo hypercar.
Judging by the viewers response, one product was clearly the star of the present — the Leica Leitzphone. Whereas constructed on the framework of the Xiaomi 17 Extremely, which means most of its basic specs are the identical, the ultra-premium handset options three key variations:
- Leica’s signature silver-and-black design (with the purple dot brand)
- A customized Important Mode UI with dual-tone app icons and widgets, together with unique Leica movie simulations (comparable to M9 and Monopan 50)
- A mechanical digital camera ring that permits you to management zoom, aperture, and extra settings with a twist.
I’ve extra to say concerning the gadget in an upcoming story, but it surely’s up there for one of the vital enjoyable digital camera telephones I’ve examined these days. Not everybody can purchase one, although, because the Leica Leitzphone will not launch right here within the US, and even in case you are based mostly in a area with availability, Xiaomi says it will price 1999 euros (roughly changing to $2.362).
Present extra
By Nina Raemont, Wearables and Well being Editor / Feb. 28
Will any telephone at MWC be as fairly and pink as Nothing’s Cellphone 4a? Forward of the corporate’s March 5 telephone launch, it unveiled a pastel pink colorway that I can not assist however be completely obsessive about.
It will be even higher if that is simply considered one of many pastel hues Nothing plans to supply the Cellphone 4a in, because the anticipated midrange gadget will want any little bit of attraction to enchantment to the lots.
Present extra
By Kerry Wan, Editor in Chief / Feb. 28
I simply touched down in Barcelona and was not ready for the immigration line to increase all the best way to the strolling belts. Both MWC is extra bustling than ever, or the BCN airport is severely short-staffed. It may be a little bit of each.
Present extra
