Early details about Apple’s next premium iPhone lineup are beginning to take shape, with analyst Jeff Pu outlining expected specifications for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a possible foldable iPhone, all anticipated to debut in September 2026. The information, reported by 9to5Mac, largely aligns with rumors that have circulated in recent months.
According to Pu, Apple’s fall launch could focus exclusively on high-end devices, potentially limiting the lineup to three premium models. While Pu’s projections have proven mixed in the past, his latest note includes a concise specification breakdown that reinforces existing expectations rather than introducing dramatic surprises.
The analyst also suggests Apple is positioned to gain ground in a declining global smartphone market. While overall shipments are forecast to fall by roughly 4% in 2026, Pu expects iPhone shipments to grow by around 2%, reaching an estimated 250 million units. That growth would raise Apple’s global smartphone market share to approximately 21%.
Expected September 2026 iPhone Lineup
Both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to follow the design language of their predecessors, with refinements rather than major visual changes. Display sizes are projected at 6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max. Each device is said to feature Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built on a next-generation manufacturing process, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 memory.
Camera upgrades appear incremental. The front camera is expected to jump to an 18-megapixel sensor, while the rear setup should continue to focus on 48-megapixel sensors, including a periscope lens for improved zoom on the Pro models. Face ID is expected to remain, paired with a smaller Dynamic Island.
The more intriguing entry is the rumored iPhone Fold. Pu describes it as a book-style foldable device with a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.3-inch external screen. It is also expected to use the same A20 Pro chip and 12GB of memory. Unlike the Pro models, the foldable device may rely on Touch ID instead of Face ID, and feature a mixed titanium and aluminum chassis.
Cautious Outlook
Despite the detailed spec table, the report does not dramatically alter expectations for Apple’s next cycle. The Pro models appear to be iterative updates, with performance improvements driven primarily by the new chipset. The foldable iPhone, long rumored in various forms, remains the biggest question mark. Pu’s note suggests a more conventional foldable design, but Apple’s final approach is still uncertain.
Apple typically finalizes its fall lineup early in the year, meaning supply-chain signals could soon confirm whether the foldable model is moving closer to reality. For now, the report is best viewed as a consolidation of existing rumors rather than definitive confirmation of Apple’s 2026 plans.
