iPhone 2026 Rumours: iPhone 17e, 18 Pro, and Foldable iPhone in Focus

Apple is again at the centre of a fresh wave of iPhone rumours, as leaks and analyst notes paint a detailed picture of what could come in 2026. The buzz covers three main fronts: a spring-launched iPhone 17e, the flagship iPhone 18 Pro series, and Apple’s long-rumoured foldable “iPhone Fold.” None of these devices is officially confirmed, but multiple sources point to similar timelines and features, making the rumours hard to ignore.  

Reports suggest Apple may announce the iPhone 17e on February 19, 2026, as a mid-cycle refresh of the iPhone 16e. The phone is expected to keep the same design but upgrade the chip to the A19, add MagSafe-style wireless charging, and use Apple’s newer C1X modern and N1 connectivity chips. Analysts say pricing should stay roughly the same as the 16e, positioning it as an affordable option for users who want newer internals without a full redesign. 

For the fall, the main focus is the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Leaks point to a move to Apple’s A20 and A20 Pro chips built on a 2nm process, promising better performance and efficiency. Design changes are expected to be subtle, with a slightly smaller Dynamic Island and possible under-screen Face ID or a top-left hole-punch camera cutout. 

Camera upgrades are a big theme for the 18 Pro models. Rumours mention a variable-aperture main camera, a teleconverter to extend zoom reach, and a larger-aperture telephoto lens for better low-light shots. The front camera could jump to 24 megapixels, and Apple may add features such as satellite-based web browsing for emergency-type scenarios. Pricing leaks suggest the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will start at the same price as the current Pro models, which could help Apple avoid pushing buyers toward the more expensive foldable. 

The most talked-about rumour is Apple’s first foldable iPhone, often called the iPhone Fold. Multiple analysts and leakers place its launch in the second half of 2026, likely alongside or shortly after the iPhone 18 lineup. The device is said to follow a book-style design with a small external screen and a larger foldable inner display, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. However, sources warn that production and durability challenges could delay mass shipments into 2027, even if Apple announces it this year. 

Apple’s 2026 iPhone roadmap, as it stands in rumours, mixes small-scale updates with one major bet: the foldable iPhone. The iPhone 17e aims to keep the budget-friendly line fresh, the 18 Pro models focus on cameras and chips, and the iPhone Fold could mark Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone race. Until Apple holds an official event, all of this remains speculative, but the consistency across leaks makes it one of the most credible sets of iPhone rumours in recent years.