As 2025 draws to a close, the rumor mill is already churning out details for next year's smartphone lineup. A fresh wave of leaks has provided our first concrete look at Motorola's 2026 strategy for stylus-equipped devices, revealing not just an iterative update to its budget-friendly pen phone but also a surprising new feature for its upcoming flagship. This dual-pronged approach suggests Motorola is preparing to challenge Samsung's dominance in the niche but popular stylus market more aggressively than ever before.
The Real Moto G Stylus (2026) Emerges
Following an earlier misidentification, the authentic design for the Moto G Stylus (2026) has now surfaced. The leaked images depict a device that maintains strong visual continuity with its 2025 predecessor and other recent Motorola mid-range models. It features a vegan leather back—a signature material for the brand's affordable lines—shown in two colorways tentatively described as lavender and dark gray. The design retains practical elements like a side-mounted fingerprint reader/power button and a dedicated compartment at the bottom for storing the included stylus. The rear camera module's appearance also seems largely unchanged. While this conservative design approach may not generate headlines, it aligns with the cost-saving priorities of the budget segment, where the current model often sells for around USD 300. Motorola is betting that for stylus-seeking customers on a budget, familiarity and value will outweigh the need for radical redesign.
Leaked Motorola Devices for 2026
| Device | Key Leaked Feature | Expected Market Position | Previous Model Price (Guide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moto G Stylus (2026) | Iterative design, vegan leather back, included stylus. | Budget/Mid-range (often ~USD 300) | Moto G Stylus (2025): ~USD 400 (often on sale for ~USD 300) |
| Edge 70 Ultra | New flagship with stylus support, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. | Premium/Flagship | Edge 50 Ultra (2024): Launch price varied by region. |
| Moto Tag 2 | Redesigned case, improved battery & tracking. | Budget Bluetooth Tracker | Moto Tag (1st gen): Budget accessory, frequently bundled. |
A Flagship Twist: Stylus Support for the Edge 70 Ultra
The more unexpected revelation concerns Motorola's impending return to the high-end market. The Edge 70 Ultra, positioned as the successor to the 2024 Edge 50 Ultra, is now rumored to include stylus support. This would mark a significant shift, bringing pen functionality to Motorola's flagship tier for the first time, potentially positioning it as a direct competitor to Samsung's Galaxy S Ultra series. The leak suggests the phone will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, placing it just below the top-tier "Elite" variant expected in rivals. It remains unclear if a stylus will be bundled in the box or sold separately. If included, it would represent a bold competitive move, though the accessory's capabilities are expected to be more basic compared to the feature-rich S Pen, focusing on core writing and navigation tasks.
Processor Comparison Context
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5: The chipset rumored for the Motorola Edge 70 Ultra. Represents the high-end tier of Qualcomm's 2026 lineup.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: The expected top-tier variant, likely to power competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Typically offers slightly higher peak performance.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2: The chipset used in the Motorola Edge 60 Stylus (2025), positioning it in the mid-range performance tier.
Strategic Implications and Market Context
This leaked roadmap highlights Motorola's calculated expansion in the stylus segment. By offering a pen on both a sub-USD 400 device and a premium flagship, the company is aiming to capture value-conscious creators, students, and professionals who want note-taking or sketching functionality without a Samsung price tag. The strategy creates a clear ecosystem: the Moto G Stylus for entry-level needs and the Edge 70 Ultra for users who demand flagship performance alongside stylus input. This two-tier approach could pressure competitors and provide consumers with more choice in a market where active stylus support is still relatively rare outside of Samsung's domain and a handful of niche devices.
The Supporting Cast: Moto Tag 2
Alongside the phone leaks, a glimpse of the second-generation Moto Tag Bluetooth tracker was also shared. The device appears to sport a refreshed, more colorful design compared to its predecessor. Expected improvements include better battery life and enhanced tracking accuracy, positioning it as a budget-friendly alternative to the Galaxy SmartTag 2 and Apple's AirTag. While typically less exciting than a new phone, such accessories are often bundled with Motorola devices, adding value to the overall ecosystem.
Awaiting the Full Picture
As of December 9, 2025, these leaks paint an intriguing picture of Motorola's 2026 ambitions, but critical details remain unknown. Full specifications, official pricing, release dates, and the exact nature of the Edge 70 Ultra's stylus implementation are still shrouded in mystery. The success of this stylus-focused strategy will hinge on these final details—particularly the price-performance ratio of the Edge 70 Ultra and the tangible upgrades inside the new Moto G Stylus. If Motorola can deliver compelling specs at competitive prices, 2026 could be the year it carves out a much larger space for itself in the pen-enabled smartphone market.