Apple could see its biggest iPhone redesign in years. The company is set to launch its first foldable iPhone (iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max) in September 2026 with many reports that it’s going to do it (so far) in a major way.
Apple is not officially releasing any details but industry insiders say it is working on an ambitious product roadmap that includes foldable devices, powerful AI features, better cameras and a redesigned user experience. If the reports are true, the iPhone launch in 2026 would be one of Apple's biggest events since the release of the iPhone X.
Launch expected in September 2026
Bloomberg's Apple analyst Mark Gurman has predicted that Apple will launch its iPhone 18 Pro lineup September 9, 2026, which is likely to be its traditional September keynote date. September 8 has also been suggested as a possibility.
Based on Apple's usual release schedule, pre-orders are expected to start within days of the announcement; retail sales could start around September 18, 2026. As in previous years the UAE is expected to be one of the first international markets to see the new iPhones launch.
But it seems like Apple may be changing its release strategy. Instead of releasing all these products simultaneously, the company could launch the premium devices—including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable iPhone—in September 2026. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and the next generation iPhone Air will likely come out several months later in early 2027.
Apple's first foldable iPhone may finally arrive
Apple's long-rumoured foldable iPhone is the biggest talking point (and the best talking point right now, at least according to Apple's rumors).
And after Samsung, Google and Huawei have been developing foldable smartphones for a while now, Apple seems ready to enter the market. Rather than rush products, Apple is working on a premium device with a durable hinge mechanism, lower display crease and software optimised for foldable screen design.
The foldable iPhone will complement the Pro line, not replace it, and give consumers another premium option in Apple’s expanding ecosystem. Because of its advanced engineering, industry observers expect it to fetch a much higher price than the Pro models.
Familiar design with meaningful improvements
While Apple is not going to fully redesign the iPhone 18 Pro externally, some elements are probably going to be redesigned.
Leaks indicate the flat-edge frame and triple camera system will remain, but with a cleaner rear design and a slightly larger camera module. The phones could also become marginally thicker to accommodate larger batteries and a new vapour chamber cooling system, helping maintain performance during gaming, AI processing and intensive photography.
Apple also is working on new colour options, and Dark Cherry looks like it could become the signature finish for the Pro lineup. Other rumoured colours are Light Blue, Silver and Dark Grey.
Powerful hardware upgrades expected
Most of the major improvements are likely to be found inside the device.
The iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to have Apple's new A20 Pro processor, which is likely to be built in a 2-nanometre manufacturing process to be very high performance/power efficient. The new chip could give performance and data efficiency and artificial intelligence with on-device processing.
Camera improvements are also expected to be made and better image processing and variable aperture technology might help photographers have greater control over depth of field and lighting.
Some of the other speculated upgrades include a smaller Dynamic Island, improved Face ID technology, better displays and longer battery life on the Pro Max model.
Price could rise for premium models
The premium experience may come with a premium price.
Industry analysts say Apple could increase the price of its high-end smartphones due to rising manufacturing costs and increasingly sophisticated hardware. Some estimates suggest the Pro models could become up to $200 (around AED 735) more expensive than their predecessors.
If that happens, the highest-storage versions of the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone could become among the most expensive mainstream smartphones Apple has ever sold in the UAE.
Looking ahead to Apple's 20th anniversary
However, there are also reports that Apple is already planning an even more radical redesign for 2027 in honor of the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.
The special anniversary model will feature an almost edge-to-edge display, curved glass edges and a more seamless design, and could be the biggest visual redesign since the iPhone X.
Although Apple has not commented on these reports, there are signs of excitement. If the leaks are real, 2026 will mark the start of a new era for the iPhone—foldable technology, AI-powered features coming up and major hardware upgrades to come for the next generation of Apple’s flagship smartphone.
