iPhone Rumours: Apple is thinking about its second foldable iPhone
iPhone 18 Foldable: Crease-free at Rs 2L? iPhone 17e crashes prices to Rs 50K—but base model DELAYED to 2027! Pro’s under-display magic & A20 AI will stun Indians. Split launch chaos incoming—upgrade now or regret? Secrets revealed before September event!
Apple’s iPhone lineup continues to evolve rapidly, with fresh rumours pointing to groundbreaking changes like a foldable model and split launch strategies. For Indian consumers facing high import duties and currency fluctuations, these updates could reshape upgrade decisions and pricing expectations.
iPhone 17 Lineup Recap
The iPhone 17 series, launched in September 2025, brought significant upgrades including the A19 chip across models, 120Hz ProMotion displays on base versions, and dual 48MP rear cameras for sharper shots. In India, the base iPhone 17 (256GB) started at Rs 82,900, while the ultra-slim iPhone Air debuted at Rs 1,19,900, replacing the Plus model and appealing to those prioritizing thinness over battery size.
Pro models featured vapor chamber cooling to handle intensive AI tasks and a 48MP telephoto lens, priced from Rs 1,34,900 for the Pro. Indian retailers like Croma and Vijay Sales offered instant discounts up to Rs 6,000 and no-cost EMI, making them accessible despite 22% GST and customs duties. Battery life improved markedly, with the iPhone 17 lasting up to 30 hours of video playback, a boon for users streaming on Jio or Airtel 5G networks.
From an Indian viewpoint, the iPhone 17’s Ceramic Shield 2 glass and IP68 rating suit our dusty monsoons and crowded streets better than ever. However, with no major price drops post-launch due to rupee depreciation, many waited for festive sales.
Emerging iPhone 17e Buzz
Rumours swirl around the iPhone 17e, potentially launching soon as Apple's budget flagship successor to the iPhone 16e. Leaks suggest a Dynamic Island upgrade from the notch, paired with a downclocked A19 chip for affordability, and slimmer bezels on an iPhone 14-style OLED panel.
Mass production may start this month, positioning it as a Rs 50,000-60,000 option in India, undercutting the iPhone 17 while supporting Apple Intelligence AI features. For value-conscious buyers in tier-2 cities relying on UPI payments and regional 5G, this could bridge the gap between SE models and flagships, especially with 8GB RAM rumours.
Indian analysts predict quick adoption if priced like the SE 4's speculated Rs 44,000-49,900 tag, factoring in local assembly at Foxconn plants to ease duties. Expect Face ID, a 48MP main camera, and iOS 26 for seamless integration with Aadhaar-linked apps.
iPhone 18: Split Launch Strategy
Apple's shaking up its calendar for 2026: Pro models and a foldable arrive in fall, while base iPhone 18 and 18e wait until spring 2027. This targets premium buyers first, potentially delaying affordable options amid India's growing mid-range Android competition from Samsung and Vivo.
The standard iPhone 18 may pack 12GB RAM for enhanced AI, a simplified Camera Control button, and brighter displays straining suppliers. Indian pricing could hover around Rs 80,000-90,000 for base variants, adjusted for 5-7% rupee slides and stable GST.
This phased rollout suits festive seasons—Diwali for Pros, Holi for bases—but risks stock shortages for budget segments during peak demand.
Foldable iPhone Breakthrough
Apple's first foldable iPhone, possibly "iPhone Fold" or part of the 18 series, eyes a fall 2026 debut as a book-style device with a 5.3-inch outer and 7.6-inch inner display. Ultra-thin glass from Samsung promises a "nearly invisible" crease via titanium hinges and liquid metal, thinner at 4.5-4.8mm unfolded.
Rumours highlight Touch ID over Face ID, dual 48MP rear cameras (no telephoto), a 24MP under-display inner selfie cam, and a massive 5,400-5,800mAh battery. Priced at $1,800-2,500 (Rs 1.5-2.1 lakh in India), it targets pros needing tablet-like multitasking for video editing or stock trading apps.
In India, where foldables like Galaxy Z Fold sell 50,000+ units yearly despite premiums, Apple's crease-free design and iOS ecosystem could dominate, especially with eSIM-only for dual-SIM users. Durability against humidity and drops remains key, given past foldable complaints.
iPhone 18 Pro Innovations
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max stick to 6.3- and 6.9-inch sizes but tease under-display Face ID shrinking or eliminating the Dynamic Island, leaving a hole-punch camera. A variable aperture main lens mimics DSLRs for light control and bokeh, paired with a three-layer Samsung sensor for low-light prowess.
Expect A20 chip on 2nm process (15% faster, 30% efficient), C2 modem reviving mmWave 5G, and 12GB RAM standard. Colors may include brown, purple, or burgundy; Pro Max could hit 240g with thicker build for battery gains.
For Indians, Rs 1.3-1.6 lakh pricing (up from iPhone 17 Pro) factors AI boosts for on-device Hindi translation and AR shopping, competing with Pixel's Gemini. Vapor cooling persists for gaming like BGMI at max settings.
India-Specific Pricing and Availability
India's iPhone market navigates high taxes and financing perks, making premium devices accessible via EMI despite import costs. Rumours for upcoming models like iPhone 18 align with steady pricing trends amid local production gains.
Tax Breakdown
Imported iPhones face 15% customs duty plus 18% GST on the assessed value (landed cost including insurance), pushing final tags 30-35% above US prices. For iPhone 17 base at US $799 (Rs 68,000 ex-tax), duties add Rs 15,000, landing at Rs 82,900 MRP.
Local assembly at Foxconn/Tata (70%+ components) caps hikes at 5-10% yearly, shielding from full forex swings—rupee at Rs 85/USD keeps premiums stable. No GST slab changes eyed for 2026 Budget, per recent analyses.
Current iPhone 17 Pricing
iPhone 17 (128GB) holds at Rs 79,900-82,900 across Amazon/Flipkart; Pro at Rs 1,19,900-1,34,900 (256GB). Post-festive dips hit Rs 62,000 effective via exchanges/bank cashback on iPhone 17 base.
Pro Max (1TB) tops Rs 1,69,900, but festive deals shave Rs 10,000-15,000. Colors like Teal garner discounts; refurbished units from Cashify start Rs 45,000 with warranty.
iPhone 18 Expected Costs
Analysts peg iPhone 18 base at Rs 89,900-95,000, matching iPhone 17 to compete in mid-premiums; Pro at Rs 1,35,000-1,44,000, Pro Max Rs 1,55,000. Stable pricing per Ming-Chi Kuo counters chip costs via volumes.
Foldable iPhone rumors hit Rs 1.7-2.2 lakh ($2,000-2,500), ultra-premium like Galaxy Z Fold6's Rs 1.6 lakh but with crease-free appeal. 17e could undercut at Rs 50,000-60,000 if launched soon.
Launch and Retail Timeline
Global unveils hit September 8-15; India pre-orders open day-of via apple.com/in, sales Sept 20-ish mirroring iPhone 17's Sept 19 start. Stores in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru/Bengaluru stock first; online ships pan-India same-day in metros.
2026 foldable/Pro may arrive Oct/Nov, bases spring '27—Diwali aligns perfectly for impulse buys. Track TRAI for 5G mandates boosting carrier deals.
Performance and AI Upgrades
A20's 2nm tech and integrated RAM promise fluid iOS 27 with advanced Siri in regional languages, ideal for multilingual users. All models eye 24MP front cams and 12GB RAM minimum, enabling pro AI like real-time photo editing rivaling OnePlus.
Battery and thermal tweaks suit India's heatwaves; Qi2.2 at 25W matches MagSafe for desk warriors. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 enhance smart home ties with Alexa/Google Nest hybrids.
Camera Evolution for Creators
From iPhone 17's Dual Capture (front-rear 4K video) to 18 Pro's variable aperture and 8K support, cameras target YouTubers and Instagrammers. 48MP telephoto with 3.5x zoom and Dual video persist, plus macro/low-light wins for street photography in Diwali lights.
Front cams hit 24MP with landscape selfies sans rotation—perfect for group Reels. Indians creating regional content will love Photonic Engine's noise reduction in chaotic bazaars.
Why Wait or Upgrade Now?
The iPhone 17 series remains a powerhouse in early 2026, with its A19 chip, ProMotion displays, and Apple Intelligence AI still feeling cutting-edge after just months on shelves. No base iPhone 18 arrives until spring 2027 due to Apple's split launch, so if your current model—say, iPhone 15 or newer—handles iOS 26 seamlessly with 5G speeds on Jio or Airtel, there's little urgency to switch. Battery life and camera tweaks on older iPhone 14s or prior justify an upgrade for smoother scrolling and on-device Hindi translation, especially during festive sales offering Rs 10,000-20,000 off.
Budget buyers should watch for the rumoured iPhone 17e, potentially launching soon at Rs 50,000-60,000, blending affordability with Dynamic Island and solid AI—perfect against mid-range Androids like Vivo T4 or Samsung A56.
In India, Apple commands 15% premium share, but foldable iPhone hype could boost 2026 sales 20% despite Galaxy Z undercuts. Mark September events for clarity—rumours shift fast.
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