Apple’s iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone Air, debuted globally last September. Now, excitement is building as new leaks reveal tantalizing details about the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup. These rumors offer a sneak peek at significant upgrades expected for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, alongside a potential staggered launch schedule for the entire series. It appears the tech giant is also preparing to introduce the standard next-generation iPhone 18 and possibly its very first foldable smartphone, the iPhone 18 Fold, alongside the Pro models.
iPhone 18 Pro Max: Leaked Features and Staggered Launch Insights
A recent post by the well-known tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo indicates that the iPhone 18 Pro series will sport a noticeably upgraded design. The leak specifically highlights that the iPhone 18 Pro model will incorporate variable aperture technology and an enhanced 48-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with a wider aperture.
The same source also suggests that Apple aims to debut the iPhone 18 Pro series, the innovative ultra-thin Air model, and the highly anticipated foldable iPhone (the ‘Fold’) in September 2026. Following these premium releases, the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, which would be successors to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16e, are anticipated to arrive in the first half of 2027. Previous reports have already hinted at the iPhone 18 Fold and the entire iPhone 18 series possibly being powered by Apple’s pioneering 2nm chips.
Echoing these new insights, an earlier report from 2026 also indicated that Apple is considering a staggered launch approach for the iPhone 18 family. This could mean the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Air models would arrive in the fall of 2026, with the base iPhone 18 and 18e models launching in spring 2027. This strategy would represent a notable departure from Apple’s traditional simultaneous iPhone releases.
While the iPhone 18 Pro series is anticipated to maintain the triple rear camera configuration seen on the iPhone 17 Pro models, Apple might surprise users with a subtly transparent back panel. This unique design choice could potentially showcase internal components like the MagSafe charging coils. Furthermore, these Pro phones are rumored to incorporate a sophisticated stainless-steel vapor chamber cooling system, a feature also present in the previous iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.
Regarding the iPhone 18 series’ design, reports present conflicting possibilities for Apple’s upcoming aesthetic. Some leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will boast stunning 6.27-inch and 6.86-inch LTPO OLED displays, respectively, both with 1.5K resolution. These models are also tipped to utilize HIAA (Hole-in-Active-Area) technology, enabling Face ID sensors to be discreetly placed under the display, leaving only the front-facing camera visible for a more immersive, nearly full-screen experience. Intriguingly, Apple is also rumored to be developing three new smartphones, including a potential ‘iPhone Flip’ foldable device.
However, an alternative leak presents a contrasting perspective, indicating that Apple might opt to merely reduce the size of the Dynamic Island instead of completely eliminating it. In this scenario, the iPhone 18 lineup would feature a more compact version of the familiar cutout, maintaining a design element present since the iPhone 14 Pro series, with only the iPhone 16e model expected to omit it.
Furthermore, Apple is set to utilize TSMC’s advanced second-generation 2nm (N2) manufacturing process for its highly anticipated A20 chip. This powerful new chip is expected to debut in 2026, powering the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and the innovative foldable iPhone 18 Fold. The compact 2nm chip promises significant advancements in power efficiency and thermal management, achieved through a novel Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) design. This design integrates the System-on-Chip (SoC) and DRAM more tightly, optimizing performance and reducing energy consumption for demanding Apple Intelligence features.