Apple to Launch Four New iPhones in 2026, Starting With the iPhone 17e Early in the Year

Highlights

• Apple will release the iPhone 17e as an affordable upgrade featuring the new A19 chip.
• The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected with larger batteries, the 2nm A20 Pro chip, under-display Face ID, a refined rear glass design, variable aperture cameras and Apple’s new C2 modem.
• Apple’s first foldable will arrive in fall 2026 with a titanium frame, 7.6-inch inner display, 5.4-inch outer panel, the largest iPhone battery yet, dual cameras and Touch ID

Caption – Apple’s iPhone 17 Series launched in 2025. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple may have wrapped up its product launches for 2025, but 2026 is shaping up to be a packed year for the company. According to new reports, Apple is preparing to introduce four new iPhone models next year and one of them is expected to arrive much earlier than usual. Here’s what we know about Apple’s 2026 launch calendar so far.

iPhone 17e

Caption – iPhone 16e in the picture for reference. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple’s first release of 2026 is likely to be the iPhone 17e, which will complete the iPhone 17 lineup. This upcoming model is the successor to the iPhone 16e and is tipped to bring multiple improvements. The phone could include the new A19 chip up from the A18, a switch to the Dynamic Island design, a Centre Stage-enabled front camera and slimmer bezels for a more refined look.

However, some limitations will remain. The iPhone 17e is still expected to feature a single rear camera, lack ProMotion and always-on display support, and omit the Camera Control button. Even so, with a rumoured starting price of $599, it could become an attractive option for buyers seeking an affordable upgrade.

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max

Caption – iPhone 17 Pro series in the picture for reference. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple’s major annual launch cycle will continue in the fall with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. These flagship devices are rumoured to expand on the success of the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. Expected upgrades include larger batteries, the next-generation A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process, a smaller Dynamic Island, possibly reduced to a simple hole-punch cutout and Face ID sensors concealed beneath the display.

Additional enhancements may include a more seamless rear glass design, a variable aperture camera system and Apple’s new C2 cellular modem. While the changes may not be radical, the refinements could help replicate the strong demand seen for this year’s Pro models.

No Standard iPhone 18?

Surprisingly, one model expected in Apple’s usual fall lineup may be missing. Multiple reports have claimed that the standard iPhone 18 reportedly won’t arrive in 2026. Instead, Apple is said to be shifting its release to early 2027.

If plans hold, the spring 2027 launch could include the base iPhone 18, the iPhone 18e, and possibly the next-generation iPhone Air 2.

iPhone Fold/ iPhone Ultra

Caption – A concept image of a possible iPhone Fold design for reference. (Image credit – Unknown)

The most anticipated addition to Apple’s 2026 roadmap is undoubtedly its first foldable device, tentatively referred to as the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra. Expected to launch in fall 2026 with a premium price tag of $2,000 or more, the foldable iPhone is said to feature an ultra-slim titanium frame reminiscent of the iPhone Air.

The inner foldable display is rumoured to span around 7.6 inches, paired with an outer 5.4-inch panel. Apple is reportedly aiming for a nearly crease-free book-style folding mechanism. The device may also include the largest battery ever in an iPhone, though real-world battery life remains uncertain due to its unique form factor.

Powering the foldable will be the same A20 Pro chip found in the iPhone 18 Pro models. Camera hardware may include two rear sensors and two front-facing ones, one for each display. Interestingly, Apple may opt for Touch ID instead of Face ID due to space constraints and the dual-screen design.

2026 is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most important years in recent memory, not only for multiple significant launches but also because of Apple’s debut in the foldable segment.

FAQs

Q1. When will Apple launch its first iPhone of 2026?

Answer. Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17e early in 2026, ahead of its usual fall lineup.

Q2. What upgrades are coming to the iPhone 18 Pro models?

Answer. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, launching in fall 2026, may feature the A20 Pro chip (2nm process), larger batteries, under-display Face ID, a smaller Dynamic Island, variable aperture cameras, and Apple’s new C2 cellular modem.

Q3. Is Apple releasing a foldable iPhone in 2026?

Answer. Yes, Apple is expected to debut its first foldable device, the iPhone Fold/Ultra, in fall 2026. It may include a 7.6-inch inner display, a 5.4-inch outer panel, a titanium frame, the largest iPhone battery yet, and a premium price tag of $2,000 or more.

Also Read –

https://www.mymobileindia.com/iphone-fold-and-iphone-18-pro-to-feature-faster-mobile-data-with-a20-chip-and-new-apple-modem/

https://www.mymobileindia.com/idc-predicts-iphone-fold-will-be-game-changer-in-2026-as-foldable-market-set-for-30-growth/