Apple is accelerating its efforts to make a strong entry into two of the most talked-about segments of the market: foldable phones and headphones with camera capabilities and artificial visionAfter years of rumors, the leaks are starting to fit together and paint a picture in which the first foldable iPhone and AirPods with cameras will arrive as part of a clear push into the very high-end market.
The company hasn't made anything official, but the usual, more reliable sources, such as Mark Gurman or Ming-Chi KuoThey agree that Apple is preparing an ambitious launch for 2026. The plan would involve releasing a premium-priced foldable iPhone, accompanied by New AirPods capable of capturing visual information to improve artificial intelligence and health functions within the brand's ecosystem.
A foldable iPhone to lead the high-end range
After more than five years of seeing foldable phones from Samsung, Huawei, or Motorola, everything indicates that Apple is preparing to make a grand entrance with its first foldable iPhone.The company reportedly invested years in prototypes and internal testing to avoid durability issues and excessively visible creases on the screen, a particularly sensitive aspect in this type of device.
Leaks point to a book-type formatWith an iPhone that, when closed, would be relatively compact, and when opened would almost double in width, approaching the dimensions of a small tablet. There is talk of an unfolded width close to... 16,7 centimetersdesigned for tasks such as watching multimedia content, working with multiple apps at once, or consulting documents more comfortably.
On the outside, it would have a LTPO OLED display of approximately 5,49 inches and a refresh rate of 120 HzThe inner screen would reach approximately 7,7-7,8 inches with the same technology and refresh rate. This would allow for a smooth experience whether the phone is folded or unfolded, similar to what the current iPhone Pro models offer, but in a flexible format.
The filtered design describes a external panel with gently curved edges and a front-facing camera punched in the centerThis is an unusual feature in iPhone history. Inside, the main screen would have very narrow bezels and a selfie camera located in one of the upper corners, to make the most of the usable viewing area.
Hinge without a marked crease and premium-grade materials
One of the areas of focus for development would be the hinge. Various reports indicate that Apple has been working on... a new composite material for the hinge with the aim of minimizing the crease mark, seeking a almost imperceptible crease on the interior screenAccording to these sources, the engineers' obsession is to make the crease as inconspicuous as possible, both to the touch and to the eye, something that has been a weak point in several competitors so far.
The possibility of the device recovering is also mentioned. some form of Touch IDWhether integrated into the side or under the screen, it could serve as an alternative or complement to Face ID. While this detail is not confirmed, it would fit with the idea of offering greater versatility in authentication, especially in usage scenarios where facial recognition isn't as convenient, such as when the phone is lying half-open on a table.
As for the finishes, the rumors suggest titanium frames and a particularly strong constructionFollowing the design of recent Pro models, the overall tone would be less colorful and more understated, with black and white variants or discreet metallic finishes to reinforce the image of a professional and luxurious device.
The rear would house a prominent camera bar with two main sensorsAn LED flash and an additional microphone are also featured, along with the prominent Apple logo. While specific details regarding resolution and lens types haven't been revealed yet, it's clear the camera setup will maintain the brand's usual high standards, adapting to the foldable design with a more horizontal module.
Power, specifications and expected price in Europe
Internally, the foldable iPhone is expected to rely on an A20 Pro series chip or higher, manufactured using a 2-nanometer process in collaboration with TSMC. The improvement in efficiency and performance would be key to smoothly handling the two screens, the new multitasking features, and the artificial intelligence capabilities that Apple is expanding in iOS.
The leaks speak of a memory of at least 12 GBIn line with the iPhone 17 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro family, it will offer starting storage befitting a high-end product. The goal is to ensure the device remains competitive for years, both in terms of software updates and increasingly demanding apps.
In terms of price, the consensus is that the new model will be positioned significantly above traditional iPhones. Various reports place the price around... $2.000, which in Europe could translate to about €2.000 or slightly more Depending on taxes and exchange rates. Some sources mention figures of 1.700-1.800 euros, but most agree that it will be an openly premium product.
If we take as a reference the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, which starts at 2.219 euros in SpainIt seems reasonable to think that Apple will move in a similar direction. The brand usually avoids competing simply on price, so the focus would be on justifying the cost through design, the iOS integration and the rest of the devices, and a more polished user experience than its rivals.
Release schedule: Fall 2026 in the spotlight
Regarding the dates, the clues converge on Fall 2026 as the most likely launch windowAnalysts place the presentation around September, coinciding with the usual cycle of new iPhones, and placing the foldable phone within the iPhone 18 family.
Various leaks from the supply chain indicate that Apple and Foxconn have reportedly been working on production preparations since the middle of last year.The project is in an advanced stage, with materials and processes already defined to start mass production if no significant setbacks arise.
Some sources have even suggested the possibility of a slight delay until 2027 to refine the design and strengthen its durability, but for now, Most reports indicate that the internal target remains 2026Given the strategic importance of this model, it's possible that Apple will adjust its traditional release schedule to give it special prominence.
In any case, the foldable iPhone wouldn't arrive alone. It's practically a given that It will share the showcase with other high-end iPhones and with AirPods that are very different from the current onescreating a package of new products focused on the most exclusive part of the brand's catalog.
AirPods with cameras: the headphones that “see” your surroundings
Alongside the foldable iPhone, Apple is making progress on a new generation of AirPods equipped with cameras or visual sensorsAt first glance, it may seem strange to think of headphones with a camera, but the idea is not to take traditional photos, but to give the device a kind of "view" of the environment.
The available information suggests infrared cameras or machine vision sensors low resolutioncapable of capturing the position of objects and surfaces around the user. This data would be combined with the microphone and other sensors to improve spatial audio, better understand where the person is and how they move, and adjust the sound or smart functions accordingly.
The intended uses include Air gesture controls, automatic volume adjustments, and noise cancellation depending on what's happening around you, and a more natural interaction with SiriThe assistant could have more context about what you're looking at or doing, and react more accurately, without you needing to touch your phone or the headset itself.
Furthermore, several leaks mention that these cameras would serve as advanced health sensors, capable of measuring heart rate or internal temperature through the ear canalBecause they are in constant contact with the ear, AirPods could offer more continuous measurements than a watch, opening the door to new wellness tracking features and activity.
All of this would fit within a broader Apple strategy to build an ambient intelligence environment, in which the foldable iPhone, AirPods with cameras, and other devices like the Apple Vision Pro share information in real time to anticipate user needs.
A possible “Ultra” family to unify foldable iPhone and AirPods with cameras
Most sources agree that Apple is studying group these products into a new, very high-end line, known internally as “Ultra”Although the final name is not confirmed, it would fit with the company's current use of this name for the Apple Watch and with the idea of reserving it for its most advanced devices.
In that context, the The foldable iPhone could adopt the name iPhone Ultra or iPhone FoldDepending on the marketing strategy that ultimately prevails, regardless of the brand chosen, the message would be similar: it would be the most expensive and sophisticated iPhone in the lineup, aimed at those who want the latest technology without being overly concerned about price.
AirPods with cameras, meanwhile, would be positioned above the current AirPods Pro, with rates that could easily exceed 300 euros in EuropeThe inclusion of additional hardware, such as cameras and health sensors, along with advanced AI features, would justify that price step within the range.
If this strategy is confirmed, Apple would clearly strengthen both ends of its product range: on the one hand, more affordable products like the recent MacBook Neo; on the other, an “Ultra” device package in which the foldable iPhone and AirPods with cameras would be the main attractionsFor the European user, this would translate into an even wider range of options, from entry-level to the most exclusive part of the ecosystem.
With everything that has been leaked, the scenario that is emerging for the coming years is one of A significant leap by Apple towards more experimental devices, but clearly geared towards the premium segmentThe foldable iPhone aims to become the benchmark among flexible mobile phones in Europe, while AirPods with cameras could redefine what we expect from headphones, going from being simple audio accessories to key pieces of an ecosystem based on artificial vision and ambient intelligence.
