Apple’s iPhone 18 lineup is already shaping up to be one of the most ambitious in years. With new features, a bold redesign, and a massive change in launch strategy, the 2026 iPhones are going to hit differently, and yes, that includes Apple’s first foldable.

When Is the iPhone 18 Coming Out?

Mark your calendar for September 2026. That’s when Apple is expected to drop the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the all-new foldable iPhone. But here’s the twist: the regular iPhone 18 and the more affordable iPhone 18e won’t launch until spring 2027. That’s a brand-new split release strategy we’ve never seen from Apple before.

Foldable iPhone Incoming

Let’s start with the big one, literally. Apple is finally entering the foldable race with a book-style iPhone that folds open to reveal a massive 7.8-inch display. When closed, you’ll get a compact 5.5-inch cover screen, and the entire design is focused on minimizing the crease (or eliminating it entirely).

Expect a titanium and stainless steel hinge system, ultra-thin glass, and Samsung-made displays. The outer screen will have a hole-punch camera, while the inner display will feature under-display tech.

There’s no Face ID here. Instead, Apple might bring back Touch ID, this time in a side button.

Camera-wise, the foldable skips the telephoto lens and sticks with two 48MP sensors, Main and Ultra Wide.

Oh, and the price? Strap in. It could range from $1,800 to $2,500, making it the most expensive iPhone ever.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: More Pro Than Ever

While the foldable grabs headlines, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are getting serious upgrades too. They’ll keep the 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, but the front is changing in a big way.

We’re talking under-display Face ID, possibly paired with a smaller Dynamic Island or just a subtle pinhole camera. Rumors are mixed, but the direction is clear, Apple’s moving toward an all-screen front.

The camera system could get a variable aperture, giving users more manual control over light and depth. Combined with Samsung’s rumored new three-layer image sensor, expect better low-light performance, less noise, and faster shots.

New Chips, New Power

The entire high-end iPhone 18 lineup (Pro, Pro Max, Fold) will run on Apple’s next-gen A20 chip, built on TSMC’s 2nm process. That means more transistors, better thermal performance, and up to 30% more efficiency compared to the A19.

Apple’s also expected to use Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) tech, which integrates RAM directly onto the chip. That’s a big win for performance and AI tasks.

On the wireless front, the new C2 modem will bring mmWave 5G support and better signal reliability, especially in urban environments.

What About the Base iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e?

The standard models are still in development and will arrive later, spring 2027, to be exact. Details are light, but Apple seems to be focusing all its flagship innovation on the Pro and Foldable tiers first.

Mini FAQ: iPhone 18 Quick Answers

Will the iPhone 18 have a foldable version?

Yes. Apple is expected to launch its first-ever foldable iPhone in fall 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models.

How much will the foldable iPhone cost?

Current rumors suggest a price between $1,800 and $2,500, depending on the configuration.

What is the difference between iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Fold?

The iPhone 18 Pro is a traditional flagship model with upgraded cameras, a 6.3-inch or 6.9-inch display, and under-display Face ID. The iPhone 18 Fold features a book-style folding design with dual 48MP cameras, no Face ID, and a larger 7.8-inch display when open.

Final Thoughts

From a foldable iPhone to under-display Face ID and 2nm silicon, the iPhone 18 lineup is looking like Apple’s biggest leap forward in years. Whether you’re a Pro user, a future foldable fan, or someone holding out for the base model, 2026 is going to be a wild ride for iPhone releases.

Stay tuned, the future is foldable.