Will Apple finally launch a foldable phone this year? Is the iPhone 18 launch being split? Apple fans around the world are currently enduring a nail-biting wait as the likely launch date for the tech giant's new lineup draws near.
While Apple is yet to officially announced the date, this is expected to be their biggest hardware launch of the year, reports the Khaleej Times.
According to Macworld, some of the biggest launches will include the iPhone Fold and the iPhone 18 Pro redesign, while meaningful upgrades will include the under-display Face ID, OLED iPad mini.
As rumours, speculations and anticipation builds up, here's a look at the Apple products expected to make their debut in 2026.
Apple products expected to launch this year
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: The main launches in September will reportedly be the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, but not the iPhone 18. Apple is said to be splitting up the iPhone 18 launch, delaying the non-Pro models until early 2027.
Upgrades are expected to include a smaller Dynamic Island and an improved OLED display, along with Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip, likely built on a more advanced 2nm process. It's rumoured to be getting a variable aperture main lens that works more like a DSLR camera. Dark cherry shade is expected to be this year's special colour, much like the iPhone 17's Cosmic Orange shade.
iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra: The very first foldable iPhone is expected to drop this year, with a 5.3-inch external display that unfolds into a 7.6-inch internal display. The Fold could be super thin at 4.5mm when open, and Apple is said to have used advanced display techniques and a highly durable hinge to nearly eliminate the device's crease.
Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4: No major design changes expected, but it will get a faster processor that will improve Siri AI performance.
The other Apple Watch update could be for the Apple Watch Ultra, which would bring it up to version 4. The rumours have pointed to a redesign and the inclusion of new sensors, albeit again without saying what they are for.
iPad Mini 8: The new one is rumoured to feature a major tech upgrade, with Apple set to adopt an OLED display. The iPad Mini 8 could have a more water resistant design with a vibration-based speaker system.
M6 MacBook Pro: Apple is reportedly preparing a new generation of MacBook Pro models with M6 chips. The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro is expected to be one of the first machines with Apple's 2-nanometer chip technology.
HomePod Mini 2: This is reportedly ready to launch, but it's dependent on the new version of Siri that's not ready to launch. It will feature an updated S-series chip based on the Apple Watch Series 10.
New smart-home products: Apple is reportedly preparing a dedicated smart-home hub, alongside updated HomePod and Apple TV products. The hub could be one of Apple's biggest new product categories of the year.
Apple TV 4K: The Apple TV is expected to get a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, along with a faster A17 Pro processor.
Apple Smart Home Camera: Rumours suggest that the company is designing its own indoor security cameras that will connect to HomeKit and interface with the planned home hub.
