Apple’s September 2026 launch is shaping up to be one of its most significant in years. According to a fresh investor note by analyst Jeff Pu, Apple is preparing to introduce its first-ever foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The leaks suggest major hardware upgrades, a surprising return of Touch ID, and a notable shift in Apple’s release strategy. Here’s a complete, easy-to-understand breakdown of what’s expected so far.
iPhone Fold: Apple’s First Foldable Takes Shape
The biggest highlight of the upcoming lineup is the iPhone Fold, Apple’s long-rumoured entry into the foldable smartphone segment. The device is said to feature a 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded, paired with a 5.3-inch cover screen for quick interactions like notifications, calls, and messaging.
One of the most unexpected changes is Apple’s decision to bring back Touch ID, replacing Face ID on the Fold. This is a major shift for a flagship iPhone and likely driven by design constraints and reliability concerns in foldable form factors. Touch ID is expected to be integrated into the power button, similar to some iPad models.
On the camera front, the iPhone Fold is tipped to sport dual 48MP rear cameras, offering flagship-level photography. For selfies and video calls, Apple may include two 18MP front cameras, one on the outer display and another on the inner screen, ensuring usability in both folded and unfolded modes.
The Fold is also expected to pack 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and debut Apple’s C2 modem, which should deliver improved connectivity and power efficiency. In terms of build, Apple is reportedly using a titanium and aluminium hybrid frame, setting it apart from the Pro models that are expected to stick with aluminium-heavy designs.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max: Familiar Design, Serious Upgrades
Apple’s traditional Pro models are not being left behind. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain its 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max will continue with a larger 6.9-inch screen. While the sizes remain unchanged, the internals tell a very different story.
Both Pro models are tipped to feature a triple 48MP camera system, marking a significant leap in imaging capabilities. This setup reportedly includes:
A 48MP main camera with variable aperture for better low-light control
A 48MP periscope telephoto lens for enhanced optical zoom
A 48MP ultra-wide camera for landscapes and group shots
Selfie cameras on both devices are expected to be 18MP, with some speculation pointing to a possible upgrade to 24MP, though this isn’t confirmed yet.
A20 Pro Chip: Performance and Efficiency Gains
All three premium iPhones—the Fold, iPhone 18 Pro, and Pro Max—are expected to run on Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s 2nm (N2) process. Compared to the current A19, the new chip is said to deliver around 15% faster performance and up to 30% better battery efficiency.
Apple is also reportedly using WMCM (Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module) packaging, which places the RAM directly on the processor. This design should result in faster on-device AI processing, smoother multitasking, and reduced power consumption, especially during Apple Intelligence-driven tasks. All Pro models are expected to match the Fold with 12GB of RAM.
Apple’s Release Strategy Gets a Shake-Up
Perhaps the most surprising detail from the leak is Apple’s revised launch timeline. and the budget-focused iPhone 18e are reportedly delayed until spring 2027.
If true, this would mark a major shift in Apple’s long-standing release cycle, potentially allowing the company to spotlight its high-end innovations without distraction
What This Means for Apple Fans
If these leaks hold true, Apple’s 2026 lineup could represent one of its boldest hardware refreshes yet. With the introduction of a foldable iPhone, powerful camera upgrades, a cutting-edge 2nm chip, and a new launch strategy, Apple appears to be setting the stage for a major premium push. As always, final details will only be confirmed at launch, but expectations are already running high.