Learn about the rumored foldable iPhone with Touch ID, iPhone 18 specs, AI upgrades, and Apple's 2026 market forecast. Get insights from analyst Jeff Pu.
© A. Krivonosov
GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu has released a new investor note detailing the rumored specifications for the foldable iPhone and the entire iPhone 18 lineup planned for 2026. According to him, Apple's first foldable smartphone, referred to as the iPhone Fold, will use Touch ID instead of Face ID—a decision likely tied to the design constraints of the foldable form factor.
Pu also believes 2026 could be a strong year for Apple despite an overall slowdown in the smartphone market. He forecasts a 4% drop in global shipments due to rising memory prices and weak demand for budget and mid-range Android devices. In contrast, Apple is expected to increase iPhone shipments to 250 million units and grow its market share to 21%. The analyst points to sustained interest in the iPhone 17 series as a key driver, noting that Apple has reportedly already boosted production plans for early 2026. This creates a solid foundation for the transition to the next generation of devices.
On the technical side, the foldable iPhone is rumored to feature an aluminum and titanium chassis, along with two displays: a main 7.8-inch flexible screen and a 5.3-inch external one. In the fall of 2026, Apple is expected to launch only three models, delaying the release of the base iPhone 18 and other variants until spring of the following year.
The forecast also highlights advancements in on-device artificial intelligence. Pu claims all iPhone 18 models will shift to the more advanced N2 process technology, come with 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and feature a new chip layout. These upgrades are designed to support more sophisticated AI features, including enhanced Siri capabilities that Apple plans to roll out in 2026.