Apple is preparing for the release of the iPhone 17 lineup, which will take place in just a month. However, according to analysts, the key innovations are expected in the iPhone 18 Pro, as well as in the new premium foldable iPhone, which could debut as early as 2026. G.business, citing the MacRumors website dedicated to Apple product news, explains why it might not be worth buying the iPhone 17 Pro.

Under-display Face ID

According to rumors, iPhone 18 Pro models will feature a Face ID system built directly under the display. At the same time, the front camera will remain visible. The Information reports that Apple may abandon the Dynamic Island cutout in favor of a single small hole.

However, analyst Ross Young and Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman disagree — they believe that Dynamic Island will remain, but will become smaller in size.

New C2 modem

According to supply chain analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone 18 Pro will be equipped with the new Apple C2 modem — a continuation of the company’s first proprietary C1 modem, which debuted in the more affordable iPhone 16e model.

The C2 modem will provide higher connection speeds, improved energy efficiency, and mmWave 5G support in the US, which is missing from the current version.

This move is part of Apple’s long-term strategy to move away from Qualcomm modems and switch to its own solutions for deeper integration with iOS.

A20 chip and “smart” packaging

Apple also plans to equip the iPhone 18 Pro with the A20 Pro processor, built using TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process technology.

Although the performance boost compared to the A19 Pro chip (in the iPhone 17 Pro) may be modest, the A20 Pro will feature advanced CoWoS (Chip on Wafer on Substrate) packaging.

This will allow for tighter integration of the chip, memory, and neural processor, which could significantly improve performance in AI-related tasks. This aligns with Apple’s strategy to expand Apple Intelligence features and improve on-device data processing.

New camera sensor from Samsung

Samsung is developing a new three-layer PD-TR-Logic image sensor, which could be used in iPhone 18 cameras. It will deliver lower noise, better color reproduction, and improved dynamic sensitivity.

Until now, Apple has exclusively partnered with Sony, so the appearance of Samsung in the supply chain would be a significant change. Well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that in 2026 Samsung will begin supplying 48MP Ultra Wide sensors designed specifically for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

Foldable iPhone in 2026

Several leaks indicate that in the fall release of 2026, Apple will introduce its first foldable iPhone. According to insiders, the device will have a 5.5-inch display when folded and a 7.8-inch display when unfolded, resembling the Galaxy Z Fold format rather than the Flip.

The smartphone will be ultra-thin — 4.5 mm when unfolded and up to 9.5 mm when folded. It will also feature an invisible crease, an advanced hinge, and possibly Touch ID under the screen instead of Face ID.

According to Kuo’s forecast, the price could range from $2,000 to $2,500, and that’s before any high Chinese tariffs are applied.

Apple changes the iPhone release schedule

Interestingly, with the launch of the iPhone 18, the company plans to change its model release strategy. The premium iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone will appear in the fall of 2026, as usual. However, the more affordable iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will be released only in the spring of 2027.

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