Apple appears to be preparing one of the biggest reshuffles in the iPhone lineup in years. The clearest sign is a foldable model that has been linked to the name iPhone Ultra, alongside a new release pattern that could split the iPhone 18 family into two separate launch windows.
The change would matter not only because of the hardware, but also because it could alter how buyers access the standard and premium models. If the current reports hold, Apple would debut its highest-end devices first, then follow with the more affordable options months later.
A foldable iPhone with a different design language
The foldable device is being described as Apple’s boldest iPhone design in years. It is expected to be shorter and thicker when closed, rather than following the familiar iPhone silhouette.
Rumors point to a 5.5-inch display on the outside and a 7.8-inch screen when opened. The aspect ratio is said to be close to 4:3, which would make the open experience feel closer to an iPad than to a typical clamshell foldable.
Dummy unit leaks also suggest a protruding camera module with two cameras. At the same time, the device is reportedly just 4.5 mm thick when unfolded, leaving little room for TrueDepth hardware.
That is why Touch ID is considered more likely than Face ID. If that proves true, it would mark one of the most significant biometric shifts in Apple’s flagship lineup.
Materials, hinge engineering, and display plans
Apple is also said to be using Samsung OLED panels for the foldable display. The device is rumored to include two screens, one on the outside for closed use and a larger inner display for when it is opened.
The body is said to combine titanium and aluminum, while the hinge may use liquid metal. Vapor chamber cooling is also reportedly part of the package.
Color options are said to be limited to just two finishes. The reported choices are silver/white and indigo, with the latter said to resemble the Deep Blue tone seen on the iPhone 17 Pro.
A split launch for the iPhone 18 family
On timing, Apple is expected to keep its premium launch window in September. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable model are said to be part of that first wave, although shipments of the foldable could slip to December.
Another report says the foldable still remains on track for a September debut, but its progress was reportedly slowed by hinge issues. That uncertainty leaves its actual availability less predictable than the rest of the premium lineup.
The next wave is expected in March 2027. At that stage, the iPhone 18e is said to arrive together with the base iPhone 18, which would no longer launch at the same time as the Pro models.
iPhone Air 2 is also expected to join that batch, though Apple could still choose the name iPhone 18 Plus instead. The rumor path appears to favor the Air name, with only minor changes planned.
What may change on iPhone 18 Pro
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to keep a familiar design. Its screen size is said to match the iPhone 17 Pro, but it could move to an LTPO+ panel for better efficiency and longer battery life.
Inside, the model is said to use the A20 chip, replacing the A19 found in the iPhone 17 series. The focus would be on speed gains and efficiency improvements.
Camera upgrades may be the most important change. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to get a new aperture lens that can physically adjust how much light reaches the sensor.
Other reported changes include a smaller Dynamic Island and a simplified Camera Control button. In that version, the button would no longer have touch sensitivity or haptic feedback.
Colors, pricing, and the next wave beyond 2026
For the iPhone 18 Pro, leaked color options include light blue, dark cherry, dark gray, and silver. The Ceramic Shield back may also receive a frosted finish, while the frame is expected to remain aluminum like the iPhone 17 Pro.
Pricing for the foldable is expected to be very high. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has said the device will exceed $2,000, although it is still unclear whether that figure will be the starting price.
Based on the numbers currently circulating, the iPhone 18e and iPhone 18 could sit around $599 and $799. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are said to be priced at $1,099 and $1,199, while the iPhone Air 2 may land at $999.
Apple is also said to be working on new AirPods with cameras. They are not meant for taking photos or videos, but for giving Siri visual context.
Later on, Apple is reportedly preparing a second-generation foldable and a new iPhone for the 20th anniversary. That anniversary model is said to feature an almost bezel-free display and curved glass that wraps around the sides of the body.
