The latest leaks reveal that Apple is preparing for the biggest change in its iPhone launch strategy in years. It is expected that it will not unveil the entire iPhone 18 series during the September 2026 event, but rather limit announcements to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, along with the first foldable iPhone. Standard models are being postponed until 2027. Although Apple has not officially confirmed this information, reports from analysts and sources within the supply chain indicate that the company is seeking to give its most advanced devices more space during the annual shopping season.

The September event may be limited to the premium category

According to reports, Apple is expected to hold its annual iPhone conference in the second week of September. Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman predicts that the event will take place on September 8 or 9, with devices going on sale from September 18 if the company sticks to its usual schedule. The leaks indicate that the event will feature the announcement of: (iPhone 18 Pro - iPhone 18 Pro Max - First foldable iPhone, which may be called iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra). In contrast, Apple may postpone the launch of iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, as well as the new generation of iPhone Air, until spring 2027.

Reports indicate that Apple wants to focus attention on its most expensive and profitable devices during the holiday season, especially with the upcoming launch of the company’s first-ever foldable phone. By spacing out the launches, Apple can give each category of phones more media coverage instead of competing against the budget models of flagship releases.

What does iPhone 18 Pro offer?

Leaks indicate that iPhone 18 Pro will maintain its current overall design with improvements in several aspects. The devices are expected to rely on the A20 Pro processor manufactured by TSMC using a 2-nanometer technology, with 12GB of RAM and iOS 27, which will support more advanced features for Apple Intelligence and Siri. It is also expected that the phones will have larger batteries and a cooling system based on a vapor chamber to improve performance during gaming and heavy tasks. As for cameras, leaks indicate continued use of three 48-megapixel cameras with an added main lens with variable aperture, a new image sensor, and a 24-megapixel front camera.

The first foldable iPhone

One of the most anticipated announcements is Apple’s first foldable phone, which may come in a book-like design with an external 5.5-inch screen and an internal, foldable 7.8-inch screen. Reports indicate that the phone will use a liquid metal hinge to minimize the impact of the screen fold, with a thickness of about 4.5 mm when opened.

It is expected that the phone will rely on the same A20 Pro processor with 12GB of memory. Apple may replace Face ID technology with an integrated Touch ID sensor in the power button to save space inside the device.

The high manufacturing costs, due to the use of a 2-nanometer processor, larger batteries, and camera improvements, are expected to lead to higher prices for the new phones. Reports predict that the price of iPhone 18 Pro will start at around 139,900 Indian rupees, while iPhone 18 Pro Max may start at 154,900 rupees. The first foldable iPhone may range in global price between $2,000 and $2,400, making it the most expensive smartphone Apple has ever launched. Despite numerous leaks, all this information remains unofficial, with Apple set to reveal the final specifications and prices at its expected conference in September.