Apple is gearing up for one of its most ambitious iPhone launches yet, with both the highly anticipated iPhone Fold and the camera-focused iPhone 18 Pro series expected to debut in the fall of 2026. While excitement swirls around Apple’s first-ever foldable device, the company is also doubling down on camera innovation, aiming to maintain its reputation as a leader in mobile photography. Recent leaks, analyst reports, and supply chain whispers paint a picture of a launch season that could reshape the premium smartphone landscape—both in terms of form factor and imaging prowess.
According to 9to5Mac and MacRumors, the iPhone 18 Pro is on track to receive a host of camera upgrades, headlined by a variable aperture lens on its main wide camera. This marks a significant departure from previous iPhone models, which have relied on a fixed f/1.78 aperture. The move to a variable aperture isn’t just about technical bragging rights; it’s about giving photographers more creative control. In practical terms, this means users will be able to physically adjust the camera’s iris, allowing for better depth of field effects and improved performance in challenging lighting conditions. No more depending solely on software tricks for background blur—now, the hardware does the heavy lifting.
Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known Apple supply chain analyst, first predicted this shift toward variable aperture technology for the 2026 iPhone 18 lineup back in late 2024. Since then, the rumor mill has only intensified. On February 7, 2026, 9to5Mac confirmed that the variable aperture feature is being actively tested, with leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo stating that “iPhones are testing a variable aperture main camera + a large aperture telephoto lens.” While it remains unclear whether both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will benefit from this feature, industry watchers agree that the change is coming—and soon.
But that’s not the only camera enhancement on the horizon. Apple is also reportedly working on an improved telephoto lens with a larger aperture than the current f/2.8 found on the iPhone 17 Pro. As MacRumors explains, a larger aperture would allow the telephoto camera to gather more light, resulting in better low-light performance, faster shutter speeds, and more pronounced background separation. This could be a game-changer for users who frequently shoot in less-than-ideal lighting or want to achieve a professional, shallow depth of field effect without resorting to Portrait Mode.
These camera upgrades are expected to launch alongside other refinements, such as a smaller Dynamic Island and a wider array of color options, later in 2026. While the iPhone 18 Pro may not look dramatically different on the outside, the internal changes—especially the imaging improvements—are shaping up to be anything but boring. As 9to5Mac puts it, “if you’re an iPhone camera fan – iPhone 18 Pro is certainly sounding more and more appealing.”
Under the hood, the iPhone 18 Pro series is also expected to pack a punch. According to a February 8, 2026, report from MacRumors, the new models will feature Apple’s 2-nanometer A20 chip, 12GB of RAM, and the company’s in-house C2 modem. These hardware upgrades are crucial for supporting the advanced camera features, enabling faster image processing and improved computational photography. The combination of cutting-edge optics and raw processing power could help Apple fend off stiff competition from Android and HarmonyOS rivals, who are themselves investing heavily in “super enhanced” camera sensors and imaging algorithms.
Meanwhile, the iPhone Fold is poised to steal some of the spotlight with its dramatic new form factor. As reported by Mashable, Apple’s first foldable phone is expected to launch in fall 2026, right alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The device has been the subject of intense speculation for years, but recent leaks and analyst reports suggest that the wait is almost over. The iPhone Fold is rumored to feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display, with a thickness between 9 to 9.5mm when unfolded. Notably, Apple is said to be using Samsung Display’s flexible OLED technology, widely regarded as the best in the industry.
In terms of design, renders leaked by Instant Digital on Weibo (as cited by Mashable) indicate some bold choices: the largest-ever battery in an iPhone, volume buttons relocated to the top right-side frame, and a horizontally arranged rear dual camera module. The camera module is reportedly fully black and distinct from the body color, with white as the only confirmed color option so far—though at least two color variants are expected. Durability is also a top priority, with rumors swirling that Apple will employ liquid metal for the hinge mechanism, a move aimed at making the device lighter and more robust than other foldables on the market.
Pricing, as always with Apple, is a hot topic. Early estimates from research analyst Arthur Liao put the iPhone Fold’s price at around $2,399, a figure echoed by the International Data Corporation (IDC) and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. That’s a hefty sum—even compared to Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Z Fold 7, which retails for $1,999.99. But Apple seems confident that the market will bear the cost. The IDC report predicts that Apple will capture over 22% of unit share and 34% of the foldables market value in its first year, thanks in large part to the expected $2,400 price point. “But the real game-changer for the category comes at year-end when Apple enters the foldable space, projected to capture over 22% unit share and a staggering 34% of the foldables market value in its first year, thanks to an expected average price point of $2,400,” the report states.
Specs-wise, the iPhone Fold is rumored to sport a book-style folding design, four cameras (two rear, one inside, and one front selfie camera), and possibly Touch ID—a departure from Apple’s recent reliance on Face ID. Reports from Bloomberg and UDN also suggest that Apple is aiming for a creaseless display, addressing a common complaint with current foldables. The device is expected to be both thin and durable, possibly even lighter than current competitors, depending on the final materials used.
Looking further ahead, the rumor mill is already buzzing about a follow-up device, tentatively dubbed the iPhone Flip—a clamshell-style foldable that could arrive as soon as 2027. For now, though, all eyes are on the fall of 2026, when Apple is set to make its biggest splash in years.
With the iPhone 18 Pro series pushing the boundaries of mobile photography and the iPhone Fold introducing a radical new form factor to Apple’s lineup, the company is clearly betting big on innovation. Whether you’re a camera enthusiast, a tech early adopter, or just someone who likes to be on the cutting edge, this year’s iPhone launch promises to offer something for everyone.