Apple may unveil six iPhone 18 models including new foldable

WEB DESK: Apple appears ready to enter a new era of innovation as reports suggest the company will not only launch its first-ever foldable iPhone but also change how and when new models are released. The upcoming iPhone 18 series, expected in 2026, promises one of the biggest overhauls in Apple’s smartphone history.

A major shift in launch plans

According to industry insiders, Apple is preparing a six-model lineup for the iPhone 18 family, including the iPhone 18, 18e, 18 Air, 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and the highly anticipated iPhone 18 Fold. The company is reportedly tweaking its traditional release schedule, with the higher-end models—iPhone 18 Air, Pro, Pro Max, and Fold—expected to launch in September 2026, while the more affordable iPhone 18 and 18e will arrive a few months later in early 2027.

This new release pattern marks a departure from Apple’s long-standing practice of unveiling all models together in the autumn, signalling a more staggered and strategic product rollout.

The first foldable iPhone

The star of the lineup will undoubtedly be Apple’s first foldable iPhone, a device that’s been in development for years amid widespread speculation. The phone is said to open like a book, featuring a smaller 5.5-inch outer display and a much larger 7.8-inch inner screen. Apple is reportedly using ultra-thin glass technology with Samsung supplying the panels. The design aims to virtually eliminate the crease that has been a persistent flaw in most foldable phones.

The foldable iPhone is expected to sport a titanium frame to ensure durability, with a mix of titanium and stainless steel in the hinge mechanism. Interestingly, Apple may drop Face ID in favour of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor. The dual-lens rear camera setup will include 48-megapixel wide and ultra-wide sensors, offering top-tier photo quality without a telephoto lens.

Powerful internals and premium pricing

Inside, the foldable and Pro models will be powered by Apple’s next-generation A20 chip built on TSMC’s advanced 2nm process. This new chip is said to deliver 15 percent faster performance and up to 30 percent better power efficiency compared to the current generation.

However, innovation will come at a steep price. Analysts expect the foldable iPhone to cost between $1,800 and $2,500, nearly twice as much as the current iPhone 17 Pro Max.

What’s next

If reports hold true, Apple’s 2026 lineup will mark a bold step forward, blending power, design, and flexibility. For many, the upcoming iPhone 18 Fold could redefine what a smartphone can be—and set a new standard for premium technology in the years ahead.