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Report Maps Apple’s 2026 Split Launch: Budget Push in Q1, Flagship iPhone 18 Pro and Fold in Fall

The roadmap, detailed by analyst Jeff Pu, links the staggered timing to limited 2nm chip capacity at TSMC and a bid to expand Apple’s entry tier.

Overview

  • Pu’s note says Apple plans a mid‑Q1 2026 rollout of three lower‑cost devices: iPhone 17e, a new budget MacBook, and a refreshed entry‑level iPad.
  • The iPhone 17e is reported to adopt the A19 chip and an 18MP Center Stage front camera while retaining Apple’s C1 modem.
  • The low‑cost MacBook is expected to use an A‑series processor (tipped as A18 Pro), feature about a 13‑inch display, and target a price well under $1,000.
  • Premium launches are projected for fall 2026 with iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, debuting an A20 Pro 2nm chip, Apple’s C2 modem, 12GB RAM, a smaller Dynamic Island, and a variable‑aperture main camera, alongside the first foldable iPhone with side‑mounted Touch ID and roughly 7.8‑inch inner and 5.3‑inch cover displays.
  • Standard iPhone 18 models and iPhone Air 2 are now expected in early 2027, and separate leaks suggest the 18 Pro Max may be thicker and heavier to accommodate a larger battery.