For context, the first OnePlus Open foldable phone was first released in 2023. Now fast forward to 2026, a recent report suggests that the OnePlus Open 2 was cancelled by the company itself, which could have been one of the most compelling foldable devices of its generation.
The Teased Tech Specs in Early Prototypes
The prototype reportedly featured a sophisticated black faux leather finish and a chassis design that drew comparisons with other high-end foldables. Production units were expected to launch in multiple colourways, including Black and an industrial Titanium shade, showing OnePlus’ commitment to premium aesthetics in addition to performance.
Early leaks and related coverage suggested the Open 2 would have continued OnePlus’ push into advanced foldable displays, with plans for a large 8.12-inch inner folding screen alongside a generous 6.6-inch cover display, both offering smooth high refresh rates for responsive interaction. Reports also indicated that the foldable would compete with the best in the category, aiming for bright panels and fluid performance to match the powerful internals.
Speaking of powerful internals, the prototype seen had flagship-level hardware anchored by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage in premium configurations. Photography capabilities were expected to be strong, with a triple 50MP rear camera setup including ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, along with a 32MP selfie camera on the outer display and a 20MP sensor on the inner screen. The device was also tipped to include a 6000mAh battery with 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging support.
Cancellation Casts Doubt on Foldable Future
Despite the promising specifications and significant hype, OnePlus reportedly decided to cancel the Open 2 before it could reach global markets. Sources say the device had entered advanced testing stages and was slated for a potential third-quarter 2026 launch, but shifting company strategy and economic factors appear to have led OnePlus to pull back from releasing the handset this year.
So What Now?
The reported cancellation of the Open 2 underscores the challenges manufacturers face in the foldable segment, where premium hardware costs, thin margins, and production complexities shape product decisions. 2026 could also be the year when we see the rising cost of phones, due to the AI boom and the rising RAM cost. The same sentiment was shared by Xiaomi's President as well, which you can read about here. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.
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