Motorola has confirmed it will unveil a new flagship foldable smartphone, dubbed Motorola Signature, at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, signaling a major shift in the company’s premium mobile strategy. The announcement was teased by Sergio Buniac, President of Motorola Mobility, who hinted that the device represents a new direction beyond the brand’s familiar Razr lineup. The launch is scheduled for January 7 during CES 2026, one of the world’s biggest technology showcases.
Could Be Motorola’s First Book-Style Foldable
Unlike Motorola’s iconic Razr clamshell phones, the Motorola Signature is widely expected to adopt a book-style foldable design. This format opens horizontally into a tablet-like display, aligning it more closely with devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series.
Industry insiders say this move would place Motorola directly into competition with the most established premium foldables, targeting power users who want larger screens for multitasking, productivity, and entertainment without sacrificing portability. If confirmed, it would mark Motorola’s first true entry into the book-style foldable segment, expanding its footprint in a category it has so far avoided.
Leaks Hint at Compact Cover Display
Leaks suggest the Motorola Signature may feature a relatively compact external display rather than the oversized cover screens seen on some competitors. This approach mirrors Motorola’s design philosophy with the Razr series, where the outer screen focuses on quick interactions rather than full app usage.
The smaller cover display would allow users to check notifications, control music, and access essential functions without unfolding the device, potentially improving durability and battery efficiency. Design leaks also point to a textured, wood-inspired or fabric-style back panel, a notable departure from the glass-and-metal finishes that dominate the flagship market. Such materials could give the Signature a more distinctive, tactile identity.
Why the Foldable Market Is Growing
Foldable smartphones are no longer a niche experiment. According to market forecasts from Counterpoint Research, global foldable shipments are expected to grow by nearly 38% this year, with book-style foldables leading the expansion. Major manufacturers are doubling down on the category, and reports suggest Apple is exploring a foldable iPhone for a possible late-2026 debut. That looming competition has raised the stakes for Android brands looking to establish themselves early in the premium foldable space.
Motorola Signature: A New Premium Direction
The Motorola Signature is expected to anchor a new premium handset lineup. Early reports point to flagship-grade specifications, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, advanced camera hardware, and high-end display technology. Combined with its unconventional materials and form factor, the device appears designed to reposition Motorola as a serious contender in the ultra-premium smartphone segment, rather than relying solely on nostalgia-driven designs.
A Bold CES 2026 Debut
By choosing CES 2026 as the launch platform, Motorola is signaling confidence in the Signature’s ability to stand out on a global stage. The move suggests the company sees foldables as central to its future, not just an experimental side project. If expectations hold, the Motorola Signature could redefine the brand’s flagship identity and reshape its role in the rapidly evolving foldable smartphone market.
