Apple’s 2026 September event introduces the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max alongside the company’s first foldable device, the iPhone Fold. The Pro models feature a new A20 Pro chip, under‑display Face ID, and a raised camera plateau that enables larger sensors without increasing thickness. The foldable offers a crease‑free display and shares the same silicon, promising premium performance in a flexible form factor.
iPhone 18 Pro Series Overview
The iPhone 18 Pro comes with a 6.3‑inch OLED display, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max expands to a 6.9‑inch panel. Both retain Apple’s classic rectangular silhouette but introduce a “plateau” camera module that sits slightly higher than the screen, allowing bigger sensor packages without adding bulk.
Key Hardware Upgrades
- A20 Pro chip: Built with wafer‑level chip‑on‑wafer‑metal (WMCM) packaging, delivering roughly 30 % better energy efficiency than the previous generation.
- Under‑display Face ID: Facial recognition sensor is embedded beneath the OLED panel, eliminating the notch and providing a seamless front‑screen experience.
- Camera system: Larger sensors and improved optics benefit low‑light performance and computational photography.
iPhone Fold Breakthrough
Apple’s first foldable, dubbed the iPhone Fold, features a flexible OLED panel designed to be “crease‑free,” minimizing the visible line common in competing devices. When unfolded, the screen reaches tablet‑size dimensions, offering a large workspace in a pocketable form factor.
Performance and Efficiency
The iPhone Fold is powered by the same A20 Pro chip found in the Pro models, ensuring flagship‑level speed while the WMCM architecture helps mitigate the typical battery drain associated with foldable displays.
Market Implications
Introducing a foldable with a crease‑free display and strong energy efficiency could shift consumer expectations and pressure existing foldable leaders to improve durability and pricing. The under‑display Face ID also pushes the industry toward hidden biometric solutions, potentially accelerating similar implementations across Android flagships.
Pricing and Availability
Apple has not confirmed final pricing, but industry estimates place the iPhone 18 Pro Max in the $1,199‑$1,299 range. The iPhone Fold is expected to launch at a premium above $1,500, reflecting the cost of flexible display technology. Both devices are slated for release during Apple’s September 2026 event.
