Apple Plans Split iPhone Launch for 2026, Foldable Specs Detailed [Pu]

Analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities is backing recent claims that Apple will split its iPhone release schedule, offering new detail on the hardware Apple is planning for its first foldable device. The analyst's latest note outlines a roadmap that pushes standard models to early 2027 to clear the way for a high-end focused launch in late 2026.



The schedule kicks off in the middle of the first quarter of 2026 with the iPhone 17e. It looks like this device will stick with a notch for Face ID rather than the newer Dynamic Island, running on an A19 chip and Apple's first-generation custom C1 modem. Pu expects this launch to happen alongside a new entry-level iPad and a low-cost MacBook, potentially targeting the education market.


By fall 2026, supply chain constraints with TSMC's 2-nanometer nodes will reportedly force Apple to focus strictly on its flagship tier. That means we should see the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and the long-awaited iPhone 18 Fold. These devices are slated to debut Apple's second-generation C2 modem and the A20 Pro chip, paired with 12GB of RAM. For the Pro models specifically, the report lists a "smaller Dynamic Island" and a triple 48MP camera system featuring a variable aperture on the main lens.

The note gets specific on the foldable, too. Unlike the rest of the premium lineup, the iPhone 18 Fold is listed without Face ID. Instead, it will rely on a side-mounted Touch ID sensor—a detail that matches earlier leaks. The device is expected to sport a 7.8-inch inner screen and a sub-5.3-inch cover display, with dual 48MP rear cameras and two 18MP front sensors to handle selfies whether the phone is open or closed.

This high-end focus leaves the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 for early 2027. The delay for the Air 2 is reportedly due to a redesign sparked by the poor sales performance of the current model. When it does arrive, Pu expects a titanium chassis, a smaller Dynamic Island, and the C2 modem.

On the financial side, Pu is keeping a "Buy" rating on Apple with a $308 price target. He points to Apple's massive procurement power as a major advantage, noting it has kept memory costs stable even as production ramps up for the iPhone 17.


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