Reading time: 11 minutes | Last Updated: December 28, 2025
TL;DR
2026 is shaping up to be fascinating for smartphone enthusiasts. Apple’s planning a potential foldable iPhone and the first 2nm chip in a phone (A20 Pro), while OnePlus is about to ship a phone with a 9,000mAh battery. Yes, 9,000mAh. That’s two-day battery life without compromise. Here’s everything we know about the iPhone 18 series, the budget-friendly iPhone 17e, and the OnePlus Turbo that’s targeting gamers who hate mid-day charging.
Table of Contents
- iPhone 17e – Spring 2026
- iPhone 18 Series – Fall 2026
- Apple’s First Foldable iPhone
- iPad 12th Generation
- OnePlus Turbo – The Battery Monster
- My Analysis – What Matters Here
- FAQ
- Related Articles
- Dynamic Island: Finally dropping the notch for Apple’s newer cutout design
- Slimmer bezels: More modern screen-to-body ratio
- A19 chip: Same processor as the standard iPhone 17, not a downgraded version
- Apple Intelligence: Full AI feature support
- Significant performance improvements
- Better power efficiency
- Enhanced AI/ML capabilities for Apple Intelligence
- Better low-light performance
- More natural depth of field
- Improved overall image quality
- Some reports suggest the standard iPhone 18 may be delayed until spring 2027
- Others indicate it will launch alongside the Pro models in fall 2026
- Apple may be shifting to a split launch strategy
- Under-display Face ID tech not ready for foldable screens
- Space constraints in the folding mechanism
- Power efficiency concerns with face scanning sensors
- ~50% higher capacity without increased size
- Similar or better lifespan
- Fast charging compatibility
- Gamers who hate interrupting sessions to charge
- Travelers who can’t access chargers regularly
- Power users tired of battery anxiety
- Anyone who values endurance over thinness
- Validate foldables for mainstream consumers
- Force accessory makers to support folding form factors
- Accelerate app optimization for larger folding screens
iPhone 17e – Spring 2026
The iPhone 17e is Apple’s next budget-friendly option, expected to launch in spring 2026 (April or May). Think of it as the successor to the iPhone SE line, but with a modern design language.
Expected Specifications
| Component | iPhone 17e (Rumored) |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz |
| Processor | A19 chip |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Front Design | Dynamic Island (replacing notch) |
| Rear Camera | Single 48MP |
| Front Camera | 18MP |
| Charging | MagSafe support |
| Price | ~$499-549 |
What’s Changing From iPhone SE
The iPhone 17e represents a significant design evolution:
My analysis: The iPhone 17e fills an interesting gap. It’s essentially a modern iPhone with flagship-level processing but fewer camera features. For anyone who just needs a reliable iPhone with current-gen performance and doesn’t care about multi-lens cameras, this could be the sweet spot. The A19 chip means it won’t feel outdated for years.
iPhone 18 Series – Fall 2026
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected in September 2026, though there’s conflicting information about the standard iPhone 18’s timing.
iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max
| Component | iPhone 18 Pro (Rumored) |
|---|---|
| Processor | A20 Pro (2nm TSMC) |
| Display | 6.3″ / 6.9″ OLED, 120Hz ProMotion |
| Dynamic Island | Smaller, potentially punch-hole only |
| Face ID | Under-display (rumored) |
| Camera | Variable aperture lens |
| Modem | Apple C2 (in-house) |
| RAM | 12GB |
Key Innovations
A20 Pro on 2nm Process
Apple’s expected to debut the A20 Pro chip using TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing process. This would be among the first consumer devices with a 2nm chip, offering:
Under-Display Face ID
The longstanding rumor: Apple finally moves Face ID sensors under the display, eliminating the need for a visible Dynamic Island or notch. If true, the front-facing camera might move to a simple punch-hole in the top-left corner.
Variable Aperture Camera
The Pro models could feature a variable aperture lens, similar to what Samsung introduced years ago. This would allow the phone to physically adjust its aperture for:
Standard iPhone 18 – Release Uncertainty
There’s conflicting information here:
My reasoning here: A split launch strategy would be unusual for Apple, but not unprecedented. They’ve experimented with staggered releases before. My best guess: the Pro models ship on schedule in September 2026, with the standard iPhone 18 following within a few months rather than in spring 2027 as some rumors suggest.
Apple’s First Foldable iPhone
This is the big one. Multiple sources indicate Apple will finally enter the foldable market in fall 2026.
Rumored Specifications
| Feature | Foldable iPhone (Rumored) |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Book-style fold |
| Outer Display | ~5.5 inches |
| Inner Display | ~7 inches |
| Design | Ultra-thin |
| Authentication | Touch ID (not Face ID) |
| Release | Fall 2026 (alongside iPhone 18 Pro) |
Why Touch ID Instead of Face ID?
The rumor that Apple might use Touch ID instead of Face ID on the foldable is interesting. Possible explanations:
My analysis: If Apple ships a foldable in 2026, it will immediately become the benchmark for the category. Their typical approach – wait for technology to mature, then execute at premium quality – could mean the first iPhone Fold avoids the crease and durability issues that plagued early Samsung foldables. The price will likely be eye-watering ($1,799+), but Apple’s foldable will legitimize the category for mainstream consumers.
iPad 12th Generation
Expected around April 2026, the 12th-generation base iPad gets a significant upgrade.
Key Changes
| Upgrade | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | A19 chip (from A14) |
| Apple Intelligence | Now supported |
| Performance | Multi-generational leap |
This upgrade is notable because it finally brings Apple Intelligence to the entry-level iPad. The jump from A14 to A19 is massive – essentially five generations of improvement in a single update.
OnePlus Turbo – The Battery Monster
Now for something completely different. OnePlus is launching a new “Turbo” series in early 2026 focused on one thing: battery life.
The Headline Spec: 9,000mAh
That’s not a typo. The OnePlus Turbo is rumored to pack a 9,000mAh battery – the largest ever in a mainstream smartphone.
Full Rumored Specifications
| Component | OnePlus Turbo (Rumored) |
|---|---|
| Battery | 9,000mAh |
| Charging | 80-100W wired |
| Display | 6.8-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 144-165Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 or 8s Gen 4 (variants) |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main (OIS) + 8MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| OS | Android 16, OxygenOS 16 |
How Do They Fit 9,000mAh?
Silicon-carbon battery technology. Traditional lithium-ion batteries have hit density limits. Silicon-carbon anodes can store significantly more energy in the same physical space, enabling:
Launch Timing and Availability
| Region | Expected Launch |
|---|---|
| China | January 2026 |
| India/Global | March 2026 (possibly MWC) |
| US | Unlikely |
Note: The “Turbo” branding may be China-only. International markets might see this phone as part of the OnePlus Nord series.
My analysis: I’ve been testing phones with large batteries for years, and there’s always a trade-off – weight, thickness, or just poor optimization. OnePlus claims two-day battery life, which would be transformative for heavy users. The real question is whether they can keep the phone under 220g. Current 5,500mAh phones already push 200g. A 9,000mAh battery might make this a genuinely heavy device.
Who Is This For?
My Analysis – What Matters Here
Let me step back and explain why these particular devices are significant beyond individual features.
Apple’s 2nm Advantage
If Apple ships an A20 Pro on 2nm before Android competitors have 2nm chips in phones, they maintain their silicon leadership position. The iPhone has historically held performance advantages that Android flagships eventually match – 2nm could extend that gap for another year.
The Foldable Inflection Point
Apple entering the foldable market in 2026 would be the single most important event for the category since Samsung’s original Fold. It would:
Battery as Differentiator
OnePlus betting on battery as the primary feature is smart positioning. While others chase camera specs and AI features, “two-day battery life” is immediately understandable to every consumer. If they execute well, the OnePlus Turbo could carve out a genuine niche.
FAQ
Q: When is the iPhone 18 coming out?
A: The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected in September 2026. The standard iPhone 18 timing is uncertain – it may ship alongside the Pro models or be delayed to spring 2027.
Q: Will the iPhone 17e support Apple Intelligence?
A: Yes, the A19 chip and 8GB RAM enable full Apple Intelligence features.
Q: Is Apple really making a foldable iPhone?
A: Multiple credible sources report a fall 2026 launch. Apple hasn’t confirmed anything officially.
Q: Will the OnePlus Turbo be available in the US?
A: Current rumors suggest it won’t launch in the US. It may be available in India and Europe as a OnePlus Nord variant.
Q: How heavy will a 9,000mAh phone be?
A: Unknown, but expect 200-230g. Current 5,500mAh phones are around 200g.