iPhone 18 To Be Apple's Boldest Move Yet? 6 New Models Including Foldable Phone Tipped
Apple could launch six iPhone 18 models from late 2026 into early 2027, including its first foldable and a cheaper iPhone 18e, marking what might be its biggest iPhone lineup yet.
iPhone 18 Leak: Apple may be preparing to upend its iPhone strategy in a big way. If early leaks are to be believed, the iPhone 18 series could debut with as many as six models, including the tech giant’s long-rumoured foldable and an affordable variant aimed at cost-conscious buyers. While the iPhone 17 lineup is still due in 2025, Apple seems to be planning a more ambitious and diverse iPhone family for late 2026 and early 2027.
The information stems from prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and was further echoed by tipster Instant Digital on Chinese social platform Weibo, painting a picture of what could be Apple’s most expansive iPhone launch in history.
A Diverse iPhone 18 Family: From Foldables to Budget Picks
According to reports, Apple’s roadmap for the iPhone 18 series includes six distinct models. The first batch could land in September 2026 and might include the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Also expected in this phase is the much-speculated foldable iPhone, which would mark Apple’s formal entry into the foldable market, a segment currently dominated by Samsung and Chinese OEMs.
Early 2027 is said to bring two more models: the standard iPhone 18 and a new budget-friendly option called the iPhone 18e. With this, Apple appears to be widening its net across price segments, potentially aiming to serve premium, mid-tier and entry-level users simultaneously.
Foldable iPhone Could Finally Become a Reality
Arguably, the biggest buzz around this leak is the foldable iPhone, which has been rumoured for years but never confirmed. The device could carry a price
tag north of $2,000, placing it squarely in the ultra-premium category.
If it launches as suggested in 2026, Apple will finally respond to years of pressure to offer a foldable alternative, something rivals like Samsung have already iterated on multiple times. While Apple is known for arriving late to hardware trends, it often does so with refined execution and market-shifting impact.
Under-Display Camera Might Replace Dynamic Island
Alongside a wider model range, Apple may also introduce a dramatic design overhaul in the iPhone 18 generation. Reports suggest that the familiar Dynamic Island, currently seen on Pro models, could be replaced with an under-display camera system. This change would give iPhones a sleeker, uninterrupted screen, aligning with the minimalist design language seen in top-tier Android competitors.
Until then, Apple’s near-term focus remains on the iPhone 17 lineup. That series, set to debut in September 2025, is likely to include the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. A lower-cost iPhone 17e is expected to follow in early 2026.
While plans are still in flux and early leaks should always be viewed cautiously, the emerging details suggest that Apple may be gearing up for one of its most aggressive iPhone revamps yet.
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