Russian Time Magazine

Apple Is Already Preparing Its Boldest iPhone Yet

2026-01-20 02:48 LIFESTYLE
While the iPhone 17 is breaking sales records and drawing crowds to Apple Stores, Apple is already focused on what comes next. This is nothing new for the company. Apple is always several steps ahead, working on future devices while the world is still talking about the current ones.
This time, the rumors feel bigger than usual. Well known analyst Jeff Pu has shared new details that point to a major shift in Apple’s strategy. We are not just talking about another upgrade. Apple may be preparing its first foldable iPhone and a powerful new iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

The First Foldable iPhone Is Finally Taking Shape

People have been talking about a foldable iPhone for years. Now it looks closer than ever. According to insiders, Apple is working on a device often called the iPhone Fold, and it may look very different from what fans expect.
The biggest surprise is biometric security. Apple may remove Face ID from the foldable iPhone and bring back Touch ID. For many users, this would be an unexpected move. Apple has pushed Face ID for years as the future of unlocking your phone.
But a foldable design changes everything. Touch ID could be built into the power button, making it fast and easy to unlock the phone in any position. Whether the device is folded or open, it would still feel natural to use.

Premium Materials Built to Last

Apple is known for its attention to materials, and the iPhone Fold will be no exception. Reports say the body will use a mix of titanium and aluminum. This combination should make the phone strong but not too heavy.
For a foldable phone, durability is critical. Users expect a premium feel and long term reliability. Apple knows that its first foldable iPhone must make a strong first impression.

Serious Cameras Even in a New Form Factor

Even with a bold new design, Apple is not cutting corners on cameras. The iPhone Fold is expected to feature two rear cameras, both with 48 megapixels.
The front cameras also stand out. Each screen may get its own 18 megapixel selfie camera. This means high quality selfies and video calls no matter how you hold the phone.
For US users who love social media, video chats, and content creation, this focus on cameras makes perfect sense.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Get a Major Upgrade

Alongside the foldable iPhone, Apple is also preparing big changes for its traditional flagship models. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to take mobile photography to the next level.
All three rear cameras on these models may use 48 megapixel sensors. This means sharper photos, better zoom, and more advanced video features. Even by premium smartphone standards, this is a big step forward.
Unlike the foldable model, the Pro phones are expected to keep Face ID inside the Dynamic Island. This clearly separates Apple’s experimental devices from its classic lineup.

A Familiar Design With Smart Changes

Interestingly, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may use aluminum frames. This might surprise some users, especially since Apple has used titanium recently.
But Apple often uses materials to define different product categories. The foldable iPhone feels like a luxury showcase, while the Pro models focus on performance and familiarity.
This gives users more choice, not just in design but also in how the phone feels in everyday use.

12 GB of RAM Becomes the New Standard

There is one important upgrade shared across all top models. The iPhone Fold, iPhone 18 Pro, and Pro Max are all expected to come with 12 GB of RAM.
For Apple, this is a major jump. More RAM means smoother multitasking, better performance for AI features, and support for more demanding apps. This is especially important for a foldable phone, where users may run multiple apps at once.

A Release Plan That Breaks Tradition

Apple’s release strategy this time is unusual. Reports suggest the company may launch the Pro models and the foldable iPhone in the same year.
Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 and a more affordable 18e version may not arrive until 2027. This is not how Apple usually does things.
But the strategy is clear. Apple wants to lead the premium smartphone market first, focusing on high end devices before refreshing its entry level models.

Why This Matters for the US Market

The US market is Apple’s most important one. Trends often start here before spreading worldwide. If Apple launches a successful foldable iPhone, it could change how Americans see foldable phones.
What is now a niche product could quickly become mainstream. Apple has done this before, and the industry is watching closely.

Apple Is Playing the Long Game Again

Apple rarely rushes into new categories. The company watches competitors, learns from their mistakes, and enters the market when it feels ready.
The return of Touch ID, premium materials, powerful cameras, and high memory suggest that the iPhone Fold is not just a test. Apple is planning something built to last.

What Users Can Expect Next

If these reports are accurate, the next few years will be exciting for Apple fans. The company is pushing forward with both classic iPhones and bold new ideas.
Users will soon have a real choice between a familiar design and a glimpse of the future. And Apple seems confident that there is room for both.
One thing is certain. Apple has once again created buzz across the entire tech world, and this story is only just beginning.