iPhone 18: The smartphone family can be expanded to six different models
Apple is going to significantly expand the number of iPhone models with the release of the 18th series. In addition to the usual options, the lineup will include new versions of the Air and “e” models, as well as the company’s first-ever foldable device. Furthermore, the release of the smartphones will be divided into several stages in Cupertino. Exam Break has compiled all the major leaks about the upcoming devices.
Contents
iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone 18 Air
According to insider Wayne Ma from The Information, starting in 2026, Apple will revise its smartphone launch strategy, with some devices debuting in the fall and others launching the following spring.
So, the first batch will include the flagship models of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which will receive a truly changed design for the first time in several years, with a completely new display layout. Distinctive features will be the thinnest possible frames, as well as the absence of the classic “pill” cutout in the upper part, used under the Face ID sensor, the front camera and the Dynamic Island interface. It is assumed that with the release of the iPhone 18 Pro, the three-dimensional spatial identification sensor will be placed under the screen, as a result of which there will be no need to use a cutout. The selfie camera will move from the center to the left corner. This move will be a precursor to the complete removal of all elements in favor of a solid “clean” screen. It is expected that this solution will be implemented in at least one iPhone model in 2027, which will be released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original device.
Earlier it was also reported that the iPhone 18 Pro will be the first to use a variable aperture camera. Such a system is able to vary the size of the opening that allows light to pass through the lens to the sensor. And this allows the camera to adapt to different lighting conditions. This solution is already used on some flagship Android smartphones, but Apple’s slowness is explained by the company’s traditional desire to perfect the technology.
In addition, the super-thin iPhone 18 Air will debut in September 2026, following the launch of the first-generation model in the fall of 2025. This early relaunch is driven by the desire to “shake up” sales with a completely new model, as suppliers are uncertain about the success of the original. According to Wayne Ma’s report, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to account for only around 10% of the total sales of the lineup.
Apple’s First clamshell Phone
Finally, in September 2026, the premiere of the first foldable smartphone from Apple in history will take place. According to preliminary data, the thickness of the gadget in the open state will be only about 4.5 mm due to the rejection of Face ID in favor of the Touch ID power button with a fingerprint sensor. The diagonal of the external display will be 5.5 inches, in the internal one – 7.8 inches. The device will also receive a titanium body, a hinged mechanism with the use of liquid metal elements, two main cameras and an expanded set of functions based on artificial intelligence.
The cost of Apple’s first clamshell will be around $2,000, making it the most expensive iPhone. Cupertino is also using the new device as a testing platform for future clamshell iPads, MacBooks, and other gadgets.
Standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e
The standard iPhone 18 and its stripped-down version with the “e” index will debut in the first half of 2027 — about six months after the premiere of flagship smartphones. According to Wayne Ma, this move will help to warm up interest in the line by releasing more affordable options. This information also casts doubt on the possibility of the iPhone 17e, which is supposedly due in 2026.
Earlier it was reported that the successor to the original iPhone 16e may receive a display with a frame rate of 120 Hz, Dynamic Island interface, as well as an additional ultra-wide-angle 12-megapixel camera with a 120-degree coverage angle, which will join the main sensor at 48 MP. In addition, you should expect a separate Camera Control button that is responsible for zoom, focus, and shutter release.