MWC 2026: What We Expect to See at Mobile World Congress This Year

Why It Matters

MWC 2026 sets the competitive agenda for AI‑driven devices and early 6G prototypes, influencing product cycles and market valuations across the mobile sector.

Key Takeaways

• MWC 2026 runs March 2‑5 in Barcelona.
• Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, Honor confirmed attendance.
• Honor may debut Robot Phone with AI camera.
• Qualcomm to demo live 6G applications.
• MediaTek’s AI for Life keynote focuses on new chipsets.

Pulse Analysis

Mobile World Congress in Barcelona has become the springboard for the mobile ecosystem’s most consequential announcements. Scheduled for March 2‑5, 2026, the event draws manufacturers, chipset makers, and software firms eager to showcase next‑generation hardware and services. This year’s exhibitor list reads like a who’s‑who of the industry—Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, Honor, Tecno, Qualcomm, MediaTek, and dozens of others—underscoring MWC’s role as the premier venue for unveiling smartphones, wearables, and AI‑driven devices. For analysts, the show offers a real‑time barometer of product pipelines and competitive positioning ahead of the holiday season.

The 2026 agenda is dominated by artificial intelligence and the early steps toward 6G connectivity. Google is expected to align its Android 16 QPR3 rollout with the conference, while Honor teases a ‘Robot Phone’ that blends a gimbal‑style camera with on‑device AI processing. Qualcomm’s live 6G demonstrations signal a shift from theory to prototype, and MediaTek’s “AI for Life” keynote will likely introduce new neural‑engine‑enhanced SoCs. Xiaomi’s flagship 17 Ultra, rumored to ship with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a Leica‑tuned sensor, further illustrates how AI is becoming a core differentiator across price tiers.

From a business perspective, MWC’s product reveals set the tone for market dynamics through the rest of the year. Early hands‑on access to Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series and Tecno’s CAMON 50 line gives retailers and carriers insight into inventory planning and pricing strategies. The convergence of AI, advanced imaging, and nascent 6G capabilities raises the competitive bar, pressuring lagging firms to accelerate their roadmaps. Investors will watch the reception of these innovations closely, as consumer enthusiasm at MWC often translates into stock momentum and shapes the strategic bets of telecom operators worldwide.

MWC 2026: What we expect to see at Mobile World Congress this year

Image: The “MWC” sign outside of a building · (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

It's that time of the year again. CES 2026 is behind us, and now our attention turns to Europe as MWC 2026 Barcelona is just a couple of weeks away. For those unfamiliar, MWC, or Mobile World Congress, is one of the biggest annual events in the mobile industry. It is a trade show similar to CES, where brands from around the world showcase their latest gadgets and innovations.

Like in previous years, the Android Central team will be on the show floor bringing you hands‑on coverage and highlighting what truly matters. Several brands, including Honor, Meta, and Tecno, have already confirmed their presence at MWC, and we expect plenty of new product announcements.

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MWC 2026 Cheat Sheet

• What is it? Mobile World Congress, the world’s largest consumer and business trade show where brands showcase their latest innovations. Expect new smartphones, wearables, consumer tech, and plenty of AI‑focused products.

• Who is it for? Tech enthusiasts, industry professionals, telecom experts, analysts, and members of the media who want to see what’s next in communications and consumer technology.

• Where is it? Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain.

• When is it? March 2 – March 5, 2026.

• What does it cost? Standard exhibition passes start at €989 (available from the official MWC website).

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What Companies Will Be There at MWC 2026?

Image: An Android robot at MWC 2024

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Given the scale of MWC 2026, you can expect just about every major player in mobile tech to have a presence in Barcelona. Some brands are also hosting standalone events around the same time:

• Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25 (launching the Galaxy S26 series)

• Nothing’s Phone 4a series event scheduled for March 5

Notable expected exhibitors

• Google

• TECNO

• Honor

• Nothing

• Xiaomi

• Samsung

• Dell

• RedMagic

• Vivo

• Lenovo and Motorola

• Qualcomm

• MediaTek

• Microsoft

• Arm

• Meta

• TCL

• ZTE

• Adobe

• Huawei

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What to Expect from MWC 2026?

While many brands have yet to officially confirm their presence, a few have already done so. Below is a rundown of confirmed participants and what we anticipate from them.

Google

Google typically has a sizable booth at MWC, though its biggest software announcements usually come at Google I/O (now confirmed for May 19, 2026). Expect AI and Android‑related updates, and possibly a showcase of the recently launched Pixel 10a. Android 16 QPR3 is scheduled for March, so a rollout could coincide with the event.

Honor

Image: The Honor Robot Phone teaser

(Image credit: Honor)

Honor has confirmed its attendance. The brand may unveil a new foldable following the Magic V5, and hints suggest the anticipated Robot Phone—a smartphone paired with a gimbal‑style camera and AI features—will be on display.

Samsung

Samsung will be present, though its Galaxy S26 series will already be official after the February 25 Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco. MWC could still be the first chance for media and the public to get hands‑on with the new devices. Samsung may also showcase surprises similar to the Galaxy S25 Edge shown at last year’s show.

Tecno

Image: Tecno’s MWC 2026 teaser

(Image credit: Tecno)

Tecno is set to unveil the CAMON 50 Series and POVA 8 Series. Expect bold concept devices or ecosystem products alongside the new phones, following the buzz generated by the Spark concept phone at MWC 2025.

Nothing

Image: Comparing the transparent backs of the grey Nothing Phone (3a) Pro with the white Nothing Phone (3a)

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Nothing will host its Phone 4a series launch in London on March 5, just after MWC. Rumors suggest the Phone 4a and Phone 4a Pro will feature updated cameras, a refreshed design, and a new chipset. No flagship release is expected this year.

HMD

HMD typically brings creative accessories to MWC. After last year’s earbuds that doubled as a MagSafe power bank, we anticipate another innovative product.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi is likely to use MWC as the global launchpad for the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The Ultra variant is rumored to sport the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a 6,000 mAh+ battery, with a Leica‑tuned camera system. Expect additional ecosystem products such as wearables, tablets, or smart‑home devices.

Qualcomm

Image: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 on a table

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

Qualcomm will showcase its latest SoCs and chip capabilities, with a focus on 6G technologies. SVP of Engineering John Smee indicated that live 6G applications, not just theoretical concepts, will be demonstrated.

MediaTek

MediaTek will host its “AI for Life” keynote on March 4 at 10:30 AM CET, highlighting new products, innovations, and partnerships.

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Beyond the big phone launches, expect plenty of AI gadgets across categories. Smart glasses had a major moment at CES, and we anticipate even more brands pushing into that space at MWC. We'll be on the show floor all week, so stay tuned for the latest updates.

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About the Author

Sanuj is a tech writer who loves exploring smartphones, tablets, and wearables. He began his journey with a Nokia Lumia and later dived deep into Android and iPhone. He's been writing about tech since 2018, with bylines at Pocketnow, Android Police, Pocket‑Lint, and MakeUseOf. When he's not testing gadgets, he's either sipping chai, watching football, or playing cricket.