The OnePlus Open 2: A Promising Foldable Cancelled
The US foldable phone market has taken a hit as OnePlus, a key player in the foldable space, has reportedly cancelled the long-awaited OnePlus Open 2. This decision, based on recent reports, is a significant loss for those eagerly anticipating the next generation of foldable devices.
What We Knew About the OnePlus Open 2
Leaked specifications suggested that the OnePlus Open 2 would have been a substantial upgrade over its predecessor. With a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, the phone would have boasted impressive performance. The primary, ultrawide, and telephoto cameras were all expected to be 50MP sensors, and the 6,000mAh battery would have supported 80W wired and 50W wireless charging.
- The 7.82-inch inner display would have been upgraded to an 8.12-inch panel, and both displays would have featured 165Hz refresh rates.
- The cover screen would have grown from 6.31 inches to 6.6 inches.
- The design of the prototype resembled the Huawei Mate X7, and the production version was rumored to come in a new industrial titanium finish.
The Impact on the US Foldable Market
The cancellation of the OnePlus Open 2 is more than just a disappointment for those who were excited about the phone. In the broader context of the US foldable market, it leaves a gap that could have been filled by a competitive offering. While Samsung and Google have dominated the US foldable market, brands like HONOR, OPPO, vivo, and Motorola have pushed the foldable market forward in Europe and Asia.
The OnePlus Open, which launched in October 2023, provided a much-needed third option in the US foldable space. Its success prompted Samsung and Google to step up their game, releasing the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold the following year. The OnePlus Open 2 could have been that third phone once more, but now it will never have the chance to.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Foldable Phones in the US
While the absence of the OnePlus Open 2 is a blow to the US foldable market, there is some hope on the horizon. Motorola is launching the Razr Fold this summer, and there are rumors that Apple will finally launch the long-rumored iPhone Fold in 2026.
Imagining a world where we have five mainstream foldables to choose from in 2026 options from Samsung, Google, Motorola, OnePlus, and Apple is exciting. However, the cancellation of the OnePlus Open 2 raises concerns about OnePlus's commitment to the foldable market. If the company cannot deliver on its promises, it leaves a void that other brands will need to fill.
Reflections and Looking Forward
The cancellation of the OnePlus Open 2 is a significant loss for those eagerly anticipating the next generation of foldable devices. While the US foldable market will continue to evolve, the absence of OnePlus's offering is a reminder of the importance of competition in driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
As we look forward to 2026, we can only hope that OnePlus will find a way to re-enter the foldable market and once again challenge Samsung and Google. A vibrant, competitive market benefits consumers, and the US foldable market needs more players to thrive.