Analyst Jeff Pu Outlines Apple’s Split iPhone Launch Plan for 2026, Reveals Foldable Specs

A new report from GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu is adding weight to rumors that Apple will overhaul its iPhone release strategy beginning in 2026. In his latest investor note, Pu outlines a staggered schedule that prioritizes high-end devices in late 2026 while pushing standard and entry-level models into early 2027. The shift appears designed to give Apple room to debut its first foldable iPhone without overwhelming its product lineup.

Pu also details several new hardware features coming to Apple’s next major iPhone generation, including chip upgrades, new camera systems, and a clearer look at the foldable’s specifications.

Early 2026: iPhone 17e and Budget Hardware

According to Pu, Apple will start the new release cadence in Q1 2026. The first device on the road map is the iPhone 17e, a more affordable model that will reportedly retain the notch-based Face ID system rather than joining Apple’s Dynamic Island lineup.

The iPhone 17e is expected to ship with:

• A19 chip

• First-generation custom C1 modem

• Notch-based display design

Pu says this device may launch alongside a new entry-level iPad and a low-cost MacBook, a combination that suggests Apple is preparing a coordinated push into the education and value-focused markets.

Late 2026: Apple Focuses on High-End Models

By the fall of 2026, Pu reports that Apple will shift its attention exclusively to its flagship tier. The reason, he says, stems from TSMC’s 2-nanometer supply constraints, which will limit the number of chips Apple can secure during this period. As a result, Apple will prioritize its most profitable devices.

The expected late-2026 lineup includes:

• iPhone 18 Pro

• iPhone 18 Pro Max

• iPhone 18 Fold

These models are set to debut:

• Apple’s A20 Pro chip

• Second-generation C2 modem

• 12GB RAM

For the Pro and Pro Max specifically, Pu lists several notable features:

• A smaller Dynamic Island

• A triple-camera system with three 48MP sensors

• A variable aperture on the main camera

New Details on the iPhone 18 Fold

Pu’s note also provides some of the clearest specifications yet for Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

Unlike the Pro models, the iPhone 18 Fold is reportedly dropping Face ID entirely. Instead, Apple is said to be returning to a side-mounted Touch ID sensor, a detail that aligns with earlier leaks.

Expected specifications for the foldable include:

• 7.8-inch inner display

• Sub-5.3-inch cover display

• Dual 48MP rear cameras

• Two 18MP front cameras (for use when open or closed)

• A20 Pro chip and C2 modem

The design appears to focus on maximizing screen utility and keeping authentication simple while balancing the thermal and spatial constraints of a folding form factor.

Early 2027: Standard Models Return

With high-end models taking up the spotlight in late 2026, Pu says that the standard iPhone lineup will shift to early 2027. That includes:

• iPhone 18

• iPhone 18e

• iPhone Air 2

The iPhone Air 2 is being delayed due to design changes driven by weaker-than-expected sales of the current model. When it does arrive, Pu expects it to feature:

• A titanium chassis

• Smaller Dynamic Island

• The C2 modem

Financial Outlook: Apple Rated “Buy” With $308 Target

On the financial side, Jeff Pu maintains a Buy rating on Apple with a $308 price target. He argues that Apple’s unmatched procurement leverage continues to give the company a competitive advantage, especially as memory and component requirements increase for upcoming devices such as the iPhone 17.

A Significant Shift in Apple’s Product Strategy

If the report is accurate, Apple is preparing a major restructuring of its annual iPhone cycle. The staggered timeline gives the company space to introduce the foldable iPhone as a premium flagship while avoiding excessive overlap with standard models.

With the first foldable expected to arrive in late 2026, the next two years are shaping up to be one of the biggest transition periods in the iPhone’s history.