New Report Details Specs for Apple's First Foldable Phone and iPhone 18 Pro

2026-01-19 companies

Cupertino, Monday, 19 January 2026.
A new investor note reveals Apple’s upcoming foldable device features a 7.8-inch display and A20 Pro chip, positioning it alongside the iPhone 18 Pro for a late 2026 release.

Unfolding the Future: A Dual Flagship Strategy

In a significant revelation for the 2026 hardware cycle, a research note released on January 15 by analyst Jeff Pu outlines Apple’s (AAPL) strategy to simultaneously launch the iPhone 18 Pro series and its inaugural foldable device [3][8]. This intelligence suggests a departure from Apple’s traditional singular focus on the slab form factor for its premium autumn release. The anticipated “iPhone Fold” is expected to adopt a book-style configuration, featuring a 7.8-inch internal display when opened and a 5.3-inch external screen for closed usage [3][4][5]. Notably, while the device will share the high-performance A20 Pro processor with the iPhone 18 Pro models, it will reportedly diverge in biometric authentication by utilizing Touch ID rather than Face ID, omitting the Dynamic Island found on current models [3][5][7].

Entering the Foldable Market

The specifications detailed in the report paint a picture of a device engineered to bridge the gap between the iPhone and the iPad mini. With an internal screen measuring 7.8 inches, the foldable device is only a fraction smaller than Apple’s smallest tablet, potentially reshaping the user experience for productivity and media consumption [5]. To ensure durability and premium aesthetics, the casing is rumored to be constructed from a combination of titanium and aluminum [3][4]. Internally, the device is expected to match the Pro series with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and the new A20 Pro chip, which is manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 2nm process (N2) [3][4][8]. This parity in processing power indicates that Apple intends to position the foldable not as a novelty, but as a top-tier flagship capable of handling intensive tasks alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max [2][3].

Pro-Level Performance and Display Enhancements

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are slated to receive substantial upgrades focusing on silicon and connectivity rather than a complete chassis redesign. The models will retain their respective display sizes of 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches [3][5][8]. However, the report highlights a transition to the A20 Pro processor and the integration of Apple’s proprietary C2 modem, marking a continued shift toward in-house component development [3][4][8]. Camera systems are also expected to see enhancements; the Pro models will reportedly feature a triple 48-megapixel rear camera setup, which includes a variable aperture lens and a periscope lens, alongside an 18-megapixel front-facing camera [4][8]. While the overall design may resemble the iPhone 17 Pro, the Face ID sensors are expected to be embedded under the display, resulting in a “smaller Dynamic Island” or a single punch-hole cutout [1][8].

Strategic Shift in Release Cycles

Investors and consumers should note a potential bifurcation in Apple’s release calendar. While the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone Fold are targeted for a September 2026 debut, the standard iPhone 18 model is reportedly delayed until Spring 2027 [3][5][8]. This staggering of releases would see the base model launching alongside the rumored iPhone Air 2 and iPhone 18e, effectively splitting the product cycle into distinct pro and consumer windows [1][8]. Despite a projected 4% decline in the broader market, Pu estimates that these high-end introductions could drive a 2% increase in iPhone shipments, potentially reaching 250 million units and boosting Apple’s market share to 21% [3].

Sources

Apple Smartphone Market