Leaks around Apple’s 2026 iPhone lineup are starting to solidify, with new details pointing to a clear hardware strategy for the company’s premium devices. According to analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone are all expected to launch in September 2026, with a strong emphasis on performance, memory, and internal platform upgrades rather than dramatic exterior changes.
The iPhone 18 Pro specs suggest Apple is continuing its familiar Pro design language. Display sizes are expected to remain unchanged, with the iPhone 18 Pro featuring a 6.3 inch display and the Pro Max expanding to 6.9 inches. While the overall look is not expected to shift significantly, Apple may further reduce the size of the Dynamic Island. Face ID is still expected to be present, with under display facial recognition unlikely to arrive in this generation.
Performance appears to be the central focus of the 2026 Pro lineup. Both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to be powered by the A20 Pro chip, which is expected to be built using TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing process. This next generation silicon is said to deliver meaningful gains in speed and energy efficiency compared to the A19 series, setting the stage for more advanced on device processing.
A major architectural change tied to the A20 Pro is Apple’s adoption of wafer level multi chip module packaging. This approach integrates RAM directly onto the same wafer as the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, reducing latency and improving overall efficiency. As part of this shift, Apple is expected to standardize memory across its premium lineup, equipping the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable model with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. This marks a notable jump for the iPhone and points to heavier multitasking and deeper Apple Intelligence features in future versions of iOS.
Camera upgrades on the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to be incremental but meaningful. Reports point to a triple 48 megapixel rear camera system, consisting of a main sensor with variable aperture, an ultra wide lens, and a periscope telephoto camera. The periscope lens is again expected to offer the biggest benefits on the Pro Max model. Front facing cameras are tipped to move to an 18 megapixel sensor, which should improve image detail and video clarity across selfies and FaceTime calls.
The same reports also outline Apple’s long rumored foldable phone, widely referred to as the iPhone Fold. This device is expected to debut alongside the Pro models in September 2026 and share much of the same internal hardware. The iPhone Fold is said to use the A20 Pro chip, 12GB of RAM, and Apple’s in house C2 modem, positioning it firmly as a flagship rather than an experimental offshoot.
In terms of form factor, the iPhone Fold is expected to adopt a book style folding design. When unfolded, it could feature a 7.8 inch inner display, paired with an outer cover screen measuring around 5.3 inches. Apple is reportedly aiming for a near crease free display, an area where many foldable phones still struggle. Thickness is also expected to be competitive, with leaks suggesting the device could measure around 4.5mm when open and under 10mm when closed.
Unlike the iPhone 18 Pro models, the foldable device is expected to skip Face ID. Instead, Apple may rely on Touch ID integrated into a side button. This decision likely helps preserve internal space and maintain a thinner chassis. The frame itself is expected to combine titanium and aluminum, balancing durability with weight control.
Camera hardware on the iPhone Fold appears more restrained than on the Pro models. Current information points to a dual 48 megapixel rear camera setup, without a periscope telephoto lens. The device is expected to include two front facing cameras, one positioned on the outer display and another on the inner screen, both around 18 megapixels to support video calls in folded and unfolded states.
While none of these specifications have been officially confirmed, the consistency across multiple reports makes the overall picture credible. Apple appears to be using 2026 to unify its high end devices around shared silicon, memory, and connectivity, while introducing the foldable iPhone as a new form factor rather than a separate platform. If these leaks hold, the iPhone 18 Pro lineup will be defined less by visible change and more by foundational upgrades that shape Apple’s next hardware cycle.
(via 9to5Mac)
