From iPhone 17 to Foldables, Report Reveals Apple’s Mini Roadmap

Highlights

• The iPhone 17 will be launched in 2025.
• Users can expect a strong upgrade cycle due to Apple Intelligence, a redesign, and additional memory.
• iPhone 17 Slim model, expected to be priced at $1,299, will feature an A19 chipset and 8GB of RAM.
• All iPhone 17 models will have a 24MP front-facing camera.
• Apple plans to release both a foldable iPhone and a foldable iPad/Mac hybrid in 2026.

Haitong Analyst Jeff Pu, a notable source for Apple updates, has recently shared his insights on the future of Apple’s products.

While not as renowned as Ming-Chi Kuo, Pu provides valuable information to Apple enthusiasts.

Recently, he outlined what he expects for Apple, starting with next year’s iPhone.

Pu predicts that the iPhone 17 series will start a new cycle for Apple, driven by Apple Intelligence (AI), a redesign, additional memory, and upgrades from current iPhone users.

The new models are expected to attract current iPhone owners who purchased their devices between 2021 and 2023.

While major design changes like under-display Face ID and a smaller Dynamic Island might come with the iPhone 18 Pro, in 2025, the iPhone 17 could feature an Always-On screen and a ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Another highlight from Pu’s predictions is the introduction of a new iPhone variant, the iPhone 17 Slim model.

This model could replace the iPhone 17 Plus and become the highest-priced model starting at $1,299.

Despite this high price, the iPhone 17 Slim will have an A19 chipset (not the A19 Pro) and 8GB of RAM, positioning its performance closer to the base model.

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are rumoured to come with 12GB of RAM.

Moreover, all four iPhone 17 models are expected to feature an improved front-facing camera.

Users will most likely get a 24MP image sensor and six plastic lens elements, enhancing photo quality by correcting distortions and optical aberrations.

The hint about the camera upgrade is similar to what we heard from Ming-Chi Kuo in a January report.

Kuo also predicted the same camera upgrade.

Apple Foldables Are On The Cards Too

Apart from the iPhone 17 series, Pu discusses Apple’s plans for foldable devices.

It is revealed that Apple is working on a clamshell foldable iPhone, codenamed V68, and an iPad/Mac hybrid with a 20.3-inch display when fully opened.

The clamshell iPhone, referred to as the iPhone Flip, was previously expected to launch in 2026, with the foldable iPad/Mac coming a year later.

However, Pu’s latest report indicates that both foldable devices will debut in 2026, with the foldable iPad/Mac hybrid launching in the second quarter and the clamshell iPhone in the second half of the year.

Multiple media agencies revealed Apple has signed a contract with Samsung for foldable displays.

The company also received a patent for creating more durable folding glass panels.

These panels are designed to be thicker at the corners and edges, tapering where the display folds.

Apple plans to release the foldable iPad/Mac hybrid first to give Samsung additional time to produce enough foldable iPhone displays.

According to Pu, Apple will release both the foldable iPhone and the iPad/Mac hybrid in 2026.

iPad/Mac hybrid will feature a 20.3-inch display when fully opened and the former being a clamshell design similar to the Motorola Razr.

FAQs

Q1. Is Apple making a foldable phone?

Answer. After years of speculation about Apple’s foldable phones, the company finally received a patent confirming its work on a folding iPhone.

The 22-page patent, titled “Electronic Devices With Durable Folding Displays,” was filed in November 2021 and granted on July 16.

Q2. When is the iPhone 17 series expected to be released?

Answer. The iPhone 17 series is expected to be released in 2025, with a strong product cycle anticipated due to a combination of Apple Intelligence, a redesign, additional memory, and upgrades from current iPhone owners.

Q3. What new features are expected in the iPhone 17 series?

Answer. The iPhone 17 series is expected to feature an Always-On display, a 120Hz ProMotion display for the base model, an improved front-facing camera with a 24MP image sensor, and the introduction of an iPhone 17 Slim model.

Q4. What is unique about the iPhone 17 Slim model?

Answer. The iPhone 17 Slim model is rumoured to replace the iPhone 17 Plus, featuring a 6.65-inch ProMotion display, an A19 chipset, and 8GB of RAM.

It is expected to be the highest-priced iPhone starting at $1,299, despite having performance closer to the base model than the Pro models.

Q5. When are Apple’s foldable devices expected to be released?

Answer. Apple’s foldable devices, including a clamshell foldable iPhone and a foldable iPad/Mac hybrid, are expected to be released in 2026.

The foldable iPad/Mac hybrid is anticipated to be launched first during the second quarter of 2026.

Q6. What did Apple’s recent patent reveal about its foldable phones?

Answer. Apple’s recent patent, titled “Electronic Devices With Durable Folding Displays,” confirmed the company’s work on foldable phones.

The patent was filed in November 2021 and granted on July 16, describing a more durable glass panel for foldable displays.

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