Here’s what you can expect – Firstpost & more related news here

Apple’s annual iPhone launch season is slowly approaching and, if rumors are to be believed, 2026 may bring one of the company’s most unusual smartphone lineups in years. Traditionally, Apple introduces its entire iPhone family during its September event. This time, however, things may not be so simple.

Leaks and analyst reports suggest that Apple could completely change its launch strategy. Instead of introducing all models together, the company may focus mainly on the premium range this year, including the rumored iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its long-awaited foldable iPhone.

Naturally, that raises the biggest question: where is the regular iPhone 18?

Before we delve into Apple’s changing release plans, let’s look at what the rumors currently suggest about the iPhone 18 Pro line. Of course, Apple hasn’t officially confirmed any of these details, so for now everything remains firmly in speculation territory.

iPhone 18 Pro launching this year: 5 things you should know

No major redesign expected

According to Mark Gurman, the iPhone 18 Pro line may focus more on refinements than dramatic design changes, similar to Apple’s older “S” generation iPhones.

Smaller dynamic island could offer more screen real estate

Rumors suggest that Apple may reduce the size of Dynamic Island, giving users a slightly more usable display area when live activities are not active.

New A20 Pro chip can increase speed and efficiency

The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to be powered by Apple’s upcoming A20 Pro processor, reportedly built on a 2-nanometer architecture to improve performance and power efficiency.

Updated internal 5G modem may improve battery life

Apple is also said to be developing a custom next-generation 5G modem with ultra-wideband support, which could improve connectivity while reducing battery consumption.

New camera updates and tilted cherry red color option

The leaks hint at a new Cherry Red finish and a variable aperture main camera, which may offer users more control over lighting and depth effects in photos.

What about the rest of the lineup?

This is where Apple’s strategy can be especially interesting.

Reports suggest that the company could postpone the standard iPhone 18 and next-generation iPhone Air until early 2027 instead of launching them alongside the Pro models this fall. An updated iPhone 18e is also expected next year.

Even the base iPhone 18 is unlikely to receive dramatic changes. Rumors currently point to modest upgrades, including the standard A20 chip, a RAM bump from 8GB to 12GB, and some AI-focused improvements aimed at improving the device’s intelligence features.

The future of the iPhone Air line remains a bit uncertain. Some reports suggest that Apple could skip an update entirely this cycle, while others claim that a second-generation model is still in development.

If it arrives, Apple could address two major complaints from the first version: battery life and camera limitations. Leaks suggest that the next iPhone Air could feature a larger battery and an additional ultra-wide-angle rear camera sensor.

The foldable iPhone

However, the device that will likely dominate the headlines is Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone.

Foldable phones are no longer new to the smartphone world, but this would mark Apple’s first serious entry into the category. According to multiple reports, the device can unfold into an iPad mini-like display, with a 4:3 aspect ratio and an additional 5.5-inch outer screen for regular use while folded.

To complement the hardware, Apple is developing new multitasking software features inspired by iPadOS Split View, allowing users to run two apps side by side.

The foldable device may also include a Touch ID-enabled power button instead of Face ID and could feature a dual-camera setup on the rear.

If the reports turn out to be accurate, Apple’s foldable iPhone could become one of the company’s most closely watched launches in years. And perhaps that’s exactly what Apple wants: a product bold enough to refocus attention on the iPhone.