Here's when Google, Samsung, and LG's 2018 flagships will potentially launch
- A recently leaked chart appears to reveal the months when some of next year's smartphones will launch.
- The devices on the list are all expected to run Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845 processor.
- The release dates of many of the devices had already been rumored.
As 2017 rapidly comes to a close, many smartphone manufacturers are likely in hyper drive, putting the finishing touches on their 2018 devices. A recently leaked chart may give a better idea of when those devices will actually launch.
Assuming the leaked document, which was originally shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo and was later translated by Gizmo China, is accurate, you can expect Samsung's Galaxy S9 and S9+ and LG's G7 and G7+ in February, Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and LG V40 in September, and Google's Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL in October.
The leaked document is comprised of devices that are expected to run Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 845 processor, which is designed for high-end smartphones. Thus, the devices on the list are all flagship-tier products.
Expect a flurry of phones in the fall
Some of the dates on the list aren't much of a surprise. The release dates of many of the devices included on it have already been floating around in rumors. And some companies' release schedules are fairly predictable; both Samsung and LG, for example, typically announce new devices during Mobile World Congress (MWC) in late February.
But the list also offers an outlook on upcoming devices from some of the smaller phone manufacturers. Between April and August, consumers can expect to see launches of Xiaomi's Mi 7, HTC's U12, the OnePlus 6, Nubia's Z18, Sony's Xperia XZ Pro-A, and the Nokia 10. Some of those devices, however, may not land in the US.
Things should pick up in the fall. In addition to the Note 9 and the V40 in September, the list suggests we should expect to see Xiaomi's Mi Mix 3 launched internationally. In addition to the Pixel launches in October - which should follow the unveiling of Android P (whose official nickname, we're guessing, will be Pop-Tart) - other potential launches that month could include Nubia's Z18S, Sony's Xperia XZ2, and HTC's U12+.
Finally, the Moto Z (2019 edition) may be announced in November and the OnePlus 6T and Samsung's Galaxy W2019 in December.
While the list does fall in step with the typical launch cycles for most of the included companies, particularly Samsung, Google, and LG, none of these devices are confirmed at this time.