Apple recently launched a host of devices, including the iPhone 17e, new MacBook models and upgraded MacBook Pro devices. Apple enthusiasts are already waiting for the company’s next major launches.
Although there are still several months until September, when Apple typically unveils its new iPhone lineup, this year the company is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 series. Reports suggest Apple may break away from its usual launch schedule, and users could see split launches.
Apple analyst Tim Long, in a research note for investment bank Barclays earlier this month, suggested that the company could change its usual launch scheme.
According to the note, enthusiasts may have to wait until March next year to get their hands on the base iPhone 18 model. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to follow their usual timeline and arrive in September this year.
This report aligns with several earlier reports that also suggested a split launch strategy. However, Apple has not officially confirmed these reports.
A split launch would not be entirely unusual for Apple. The company previously launched the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in September 2017, while the iPhone X arrived later in November.
Foldable iPhone rumours continue
Apple enthusiasts have been waiting for a foldable iPhone for several years, and multiple reports have suggested that the company is working on one. Tim Long’s note also confirms the existence of an upcoming foldable iPhone. According to the report, shipments of the rumoured iPhone Fold could begin in December this year.
Reports have suggested that the foldable iPhone could launch in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Tim Long has also suggested the arrival of two other devices alongside the base iPhone 18 variant. These could include the iPhone 18e and either an iPhone 18 Plus or an iPhone Air 2. However, the mention of the iPhone 18 Plus has raised eyebrows, as there have been no other reports suggesting its existence. Apple also did not launch an iPhone 17 Plus in 2025.
Several reports have indicated declining sales of Plus and Air models, suggesting that the company could discontinue these models. However, there are also reports suggesting that Apple might introduce an iPhone Air 2 next year. Apple has not made any official announcement yet, and more clarity is expected closer to the launch date.
Expected Foldable iPhone design and specifications
Reports suggest that the foldable iPhone could feature a book-style design. The device is expected to include a 7.8-inch crease-less OLED inner display and a 5.5-inch outer screen. Both screens may feature punch-hole selfie cameras without Face ID, while Touch ID could be integrated into the power button.
The foldable iPhone is expected to be powered by the yet-to-be-announced A20 Pro chipset, which is also likely to be used in the iPhone 18 Pro models. According to recent reports, the foldable iPhone may include 12GB of RAM and offer storage options of 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
The device is also expected to feature a 5,500mAh battery, which would make it the largest battery ever used in an iPhone.
