Apple is looking ahead to 2026 with ambition and, according to reports, aims to release four new iPhone models next year – but its plans for the standard iPhone 18 could signal a significant strategy shift for the tech giant.
iPhone 17e
To kick the year off, Apple is rumored to start with the iPhone 17e, which would complete the iPhone 17 lineup. It’s a successor to the iPhone 16e in a series that Apple rebranded to be more budget-friendly. The company reportedly wants to make e-series phones an annual release.
According to 9to5mac, the new iPhone 17e will include a number of upgrades, such as an A19 chip (an upgrade from the previous A18 chip), Center Stage front camera, and a Dynamic Island rather than a notch, as well as thinner bezels for a more modern design.
Yet, several limitations will remain, such as a single rear camera, the lack of ProMotion and always-on display support, and the absence of Camera Control.
The iPhone 17e is expected to be priced at $599, making it a more accessible upgrade option.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Next on the list of new releases are the coveted iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. They are rumored to launch in fall (likely in September).
Although they might not be significantly different from their predecessors, these models are expected to incorporate and advance features that made iPhone 17 Pro a success.
Some of the upgrades could include bigger batteries, the next-generation A20 Pro chip built on 2nm technology, smaller Dynamic Island, Face ID integrated right under the display, variable aperture camera, and a C2 cellular modem.
iPhone Fold / iPhone Ultra
This one is a big change for Apple: the company’s first foldable iPhone is expected to launch in fall 2026, priced at $2,000 or higher. It will reportedly be similar to the iPhone Air, featuring an ultra-slim titanium frame.
Some other technical specifications include the inner foldable display that will measure around 7.6 inches, paired with an outer 5.4-inch panel. According to reports, Apple is aiming for a crease-free, book-style folding design.
The device could also feature the largest battery ever used in an iPhone, but because of its form factor, it’s unclear whether that will contribute to best-ever battery life.
iPhone Fold is expected to feature two rear and two front-facing cameras – one for each display – as well as the A20 Pro chip from the iPhone 18 Pro.
Instead of Face ID, the device will likely have Touch ID due to space constraints and two separate displays.
What about the iPhone 18?
Apple typically releases its standard iPhone models in the fall (usually in September) each year alongside Pro models, but this may be changing. Reportedly, the base iPhone 18 may not arrive in 2026, but instead will hit the shelves in 2027.
According to 9to5mac, this would mean that base iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and possibly iPhone Air 2 would be launched in spring 2027, while high-end iPhone 18 models would still ship in fall 2026.
So far, the typical “fall release” pattern has only been broken for Apple’s non-flagship variants like the iPhone SE models – and in specific circumstances, such as with the iPhone 12 (2020), which shipped later due to COVID-related disruptions.
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