Apple’s 2026 Roadmap: iPhone Fold, A20 Chip, New Siri
- Apple will launch a foldable iPhone and iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026, powered by a new A20 chip built on a 2nm node.
- An early-2026 iPhone 17e offers a refreshed, lower-cost entry with design tweaks and possible MagSafe compatibility.
- A20 may use WL‑MCM packaging for tighter RAM integration, boosting bandwidth and power efficiency.
- Apple is also preparing an LLM-based Siri, a low-cost MacBook, OLED MacBook Pro rumors, and possible AI smart glasses.
What to expect in 2026
Apple’s 2026 roadmap centers on major hardware and AI upgrades across iPhone, Mac, and home devices. The year is set to include the company’s first foldable iPhone, refreshed Pro models, and new silicon that targets performance and efficiency gains.
iPhone lineup: split launches
Apple appears to be splitting iPhone releases across the year. An affordable iPhone 17e is expected early in 2026, while the higher-end iPhone 18 Pro series and the new foldable iPhone are due in September.
iPhone 17e (early 2026)
The iPhone 17e is positioned as a lower-cost refresh with slimmer bezels and potentially a Dynamic Island instead of a notch. Some reports conflict on whether the 17e will include Dynamic Island, but design updates and MagSafe compatibility are likely priorities.
iPhone 18 Pro (September 2026)
The iPhone 18 Pro models will largely resemble the 17 Pro lineup but could adopt under-display Face ID or a hole-punch selfie camera and revised display hardware. Screen sizes should remain near 6.3 and 6.9 inches, and Apple may introduce a variable-aperture main lens for improved low-light and depth control.
iPhone Fold: Apple’s first foldable
The so-called iPhone Fold will use a book-style OLED display that opens to roughly 7.6 inches and closes to about 5.3 inches. Apple is prioritizing thinness — reports suggest the unfolded device could be as thin as ~4.5mm.
Face ID may be absent on the Fold, replaced by side-button Touch ID and a small front camera cutout. Apple reportedly addresses crease visibility with display refinements and a Liquidmetal hinge. Price projections are steep: $2,000–$2,500.
Silicon and camera tech
The A20 chip, expected across fall 2026 iPhones, will use a 2nm process node. Apple could combine A20 with wafer-level multi-chip module (WL‑MCM) packaging to add RAM at the wafer stage, reducing latency and improving memory bandwidth and power efficiency.
Camera upgrades may include a variable aperture on the main wide lens and tweaks to the Camera Control UI following iOS 26 changes.
Beyond iPhone: Siri, Macs and AR
Alongside phones, Apple’s roadmap hints at an LLM-powered Siri for deeper on-device conversational AI, a low-cost MacBook, an OLED MacBook Pro option, and early-stage AI smart glasses. Expect staggered announcements and a focus on marrying new silicon with AI features.
