Analyst Jeff Pu has made significant predictions concerning Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 series and the highly anticipated iPhone Fold, set to launch in September 2026. He emphasizes that the iPhone Fold will utilize Touch ID instead of Face ID, a notable shift in technology.
Apple’s Strategic Positioning in 2026
According to Pu, Apple’s iPhone 18 lineup is strategically positioned to gain market share amidst an expected 4% decline in global smartphone shipments in 2026. This decrease is attributed to rising memory costs and a sluggish market, particularly impacting low-to-mid-range Android sales.
Despite this downturn in the smartphone market, Apple is forecasted to ship approximately 250 million iPhones in 2026, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. This projection could elevate Apple’s market share from 20% in 2025 to 21% in 2026.
iPhone 18 Lineup Expectations
The resilience of the iPhone 17 lineup has prompted Apple to raise its first-quarter 2026 production forecast to 59 million units, an increase from a previous estimate of 56 million. Pu provided details on the expected hardware specifications for the iPhone 18 models, specifically highlighting these key features:
| Model | Launch Date | Display Size | Processor | RAM | Front Camera | Rear Camera | Security | Casing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | Sep-26 | 6.3″ | A20 Pro, N2, WMC | 12GB LPDDR5 | 18MP, 6P | 48MP 7P VA, Periscope | Face ID | Aluminum |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | Sep-26 | 6.9″ | A20 Pro, N2, WMC | 12GB LPDDR5 | 18MP, 6P | 48MP, 48MP 6P | Face ID | Aluminum |
| iPhone Fold | Sep-26 | 7.8″ (internal), 5.3″ (external) | A20 Pro, N2, WMC | 12GB LPDDR5 | 18MP (Folded), 18MP (Unfolded) | 48MP 7P VA, Periscope | Touch ID | Titanium + Aluminum |
Aligning with AI Developments
Additionally, Pu linked the advancements in Apple’s 2026 lineup to its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy. Notable upgrades include the transition to N2 silicon, WMCM packaging, and a uniform 12GB of LPDDR5 memory across the iPhone 18 series. These enhancements aim to support more sophisticated on-device AI capabilities, including improvements to Siri, expected to be rolled out in 2026.
As Apple prepares for the launch of its iPhone 18 series, including the innovative foldable iPhone, it is clear that the tech giant is focused on both hardware excellence and enhancing user experience through AI technology.
