This year we can count on four new iPhone models. One of them has already been released: the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the brand new foldable iPhone Ultra will follow later. The foldable iPhone will undoubtedly be the most special, but the Pro models will also receive interesting innovations.
The Ultra and Pro models are expected this fall. However, the ‘standard’ iPhone 18 will not be released this year; Apple seems to choose to spread the launches of iPhones over two periods of the year. That’s why we don’t expect the iPhone 18 until spring 2027. Below you’ll find the most important rumors, so you’re well prepared for what to expect from Apple’s 2026 iPhone lineup.
iPhone 17e
The first new iPhone of 2026 is the iPhone 17e. This device has a powerful A19 chip and MagSafe support. It is a good choice for those looking for an affordable iPhone with modern features.
The design of the iPhone 17e has changed little compared to the previous version. Apple has retained the Notch, which makes the device different from the iPhone 16 series. The 17e also has, like the previous model, a single wide-angle camera on the back, and the improvements are mainly via software.
The Ceramic Shield 2 on the front offers three times better scratch resistance, while the C1X network chip provides an energy-efficient modem that enables fast and reliable 5G mobile connectivity. In addition, 256 GB of storage is available as standard. With a suggested retail price of €719, it can no longer be called a budget phone
Foldable iPhone Ultra
Apple will most likely finally want to launch a brand new iPhone model this fall: the iPhone Ultra, or will it be the iPhone Fold? Apple’s first foldable iPhone will feature a thin book design that opens up to a tablet-like screen for multitasking and media. When closed, it remains a compact smartphone for everyday use.
The device offers a seamless experience with no visible fold line, a stylish frame and strong hinges for durability. The casing can be made from titanium and stainless steel and shares many similarities with the iPhone Air, including a camera platform with two lenses (wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle), as well as a selfie camera on both the outside and inside. Instead of Face ID, the iPhone Ultra will use Touch ID.
According to recent information, the iPhone Fold will be unveiled in September 2026, but won’t be available to order until the end of the year, with an expected price of around $2,400 in the United States. This would be the most expensive iPhone yet, especially in Europe, where the price is expected to be around 2,800 euros due to taxes and duties.
iPhone 18 Pro series
The iPhone 18 Pro series would mainly be an evolutionary upgrade, with a new A20 Pro chip on 2 nm technology and a faster C2 modem with N2 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. In addition, there are rumors about a slightly smaller Dynamic Island, the retention of Face ID (partly placed under the screen), a slightly modified aluminum housing with a larger camera block and possibly a return of dark or purple colors such as burgundy red and brownish.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max would have similar hardware as the regular Pro, but in a larger casing with a 6.9-inch screen and a slightly thicker back, presumably to make room for a larger battery. The camera system is said to focus on a 48-megapixel Pro-Fusion sensor with a variable aperture, a higher optical zoom (up to 8x) and improved video features, with a price likely to be the same or slightly higher than the current iPhone 17 Pro line.
iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2
Last fall, Apple released the iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17e was released in the spring. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple would like to further expand this strategy in the coming years. In order to compete with other brands and to keep the company fresh, Apple would like to spread the release of new iPhone models throughout the year. With the premium devices in the autumn and the standard models in the spring.
This means that we can expect the iPhone 18 in the spring of 2027 with a basic upgrade compared to the iPhone 17 with possibly a smaller dynamic island, new A20 chip on 2-nm technology and a faster C2 modem with N2 chip for Wi-Fi-7, Bluetooth-6 and Thread.
It is currently unclear when Apple will release the iPhone Air 2. Apple is expected to release a new model next year, but that may not be until the fall of 2027 or not at all. After all, the Air is not a great success.