Apple Fall Event Highlights: 2nm Chips Arrive, First Foldable iPhone to Debut

Ahead of its 2026 fall product launch event, Apple (AAPL-US) has been steadily releasing signals about its next wave of products and AI strategy. From Mac mini models equipped with M6 and M5 Pro chips, to the anticipated debut of the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple’s first foldable iPhone, to AI servers and a U.S.-based chip supply chain, Apple is gradually extending AI computing power from end-user devices to backend infrastructure.

On Tuesday (25th), Apple launched new Mac mini models featuring M6 and M5 Pro chips, with upgrades focused on performance and AI computation. Apple stated that the M6 version delivers up to 4x faster AI performance, up to 2x faster graphics and storage speeds, and a 40% improvement in CPU performance. The M5 Pro version is further targeted at professional users and enterprise AI workflows.

This highlights that AI processing power is becoming a central pillar in Apple’s hardware upgrades. As local large language models and AI agents (AI Agents) increasingly demand high computational loads, Apple continues to enhance on-device AI processing through its in-house chips—a strategy expected to continue into the September fall launch event.

iPhone lineup reshuffling: High-end models to lead technological innovation

Senior Apple analyst Mark Gurman indicated on the 25th that Apple may hold its fall product launch event on September 9, featuring the iPhone 18 Pro series, the first foldable iPhone, and products such as Apple Watch and AirPods.

Apple’s iPhone strategy this year may undergo significant changes. Unlike previous years, when the full lineup was unveiled at once in the fall, industry expectations suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone will debut first, while the standard iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18e may be delayed until early 2027.

This indicates Apple may further separate the release timelines between high-end and standard iPhone models, concentrating more technological upgrades on the Pro series and premium devices.

The iPhone 18 Pro series is not expected to feature major design changes. Core upgrades will focus on the chip, camera, and AI capabilities. Market reports suggest the new models may feature the A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process, along with Apple’s in-house C2 modem chip.

The A20 Pro is considered a key upgrade for this generation of iPhone. According to supply chain and analyst information, Apple may adopt a new wafer-level multi-chip module (WMCM) packaging technology, enabling tighter integration of the CPU, GPU, neural engine, and memory to boost overall performance and AI efficiency.

On the camera front, the new models may introduce a variable aperture on the main lens. Compared to simply increasing pixel count, this technology offers more professional-level control, allowing users greater flexibility in adjusting light intake and depth of field.

However, pricing may be a key variable for the new iPhone generation. According to reports from media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Apple has recently raised prices across multiple product lines, and it remains to be seen whether the iPhone will be the next to see a price hike.

Gurman revealed that Apple is still discussing final pricing, with current market speculation suggesting the iPhone 18 Pro could start at around $1,199, while some institutions even predict prices could rise to $1,299–$1,399.

This reflects Apple’s continued effort to widen the gap between Pro and standard models, assigning more technological innovation to high-end devices. In the AI era, chip performance, imaging capabilities, and AI features are likely to become key differentiators between premium and standard iPhones.

First foldable iPhone debuts: Price and camera are two major challenges

One of the most anticipated new products at this fall’s event is undoubtedly Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

Market expectations suggest this device may adopt a book-like folding design, offering a near-tablet experience when unfolded, while maintaining a smartphone form when folded. It is believed that Apple’s true goal is not simply to launch a foldable screen, but to redesign the user experience and app interface in the folded state.

Gurman stated that some who have already experienced the product have given positive feedback on its size, hinge feel, durability, and the layout of apps on the large internal display when unfolded.

Hinge mechanisms and screen creases are also critical challenges in Apple’s foldable development. Market reports suggest Apple may use liquid metal and ultra-thin glass solutions to address these issues.

However, the first-generation foldable iPhone also involves clear compromises. One major controversy concerns the camera setup. MacRumors compiled reports indicating the device may feature only two rear cameras, without a telephoto lens.

If the final price exceeds $2,000, this trade-off may attract greater market scrutiny, as consumers willing to pay a premium for a foldable phone likely overlap significantly with those who prioritize flagship-level photography.

Additionally, due to structural and internal space constraints of the foldable design, Gurman noted the foldable iPhone may adopt Touch ID instead of Face ID.

Price is another significant barrier. According to MacRumors, the device’s price could range from $2,000 to $2,500. However, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that even if the final price reaches $2,300–$2,500, demand could remain strong at least through the end of 2026.

Nonetheless, initial supply of the first-generation foldable iPhone may be extremely limited. Kuo estimates that foldable iPhone assembly and shipments in the second half of 2026 will be around 7–8 million units, with only 500,000–1 million units in Q3—far below the estimated 20–22 million units for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max during the same period.

Therefore, even if Apple officially launches the foldable iPhone in September, it does not mean the product will be immediately available in large quantities. If production capacity is insufficient, the launch timeline may resemble that of the 2017 iPhone X, with time gaps between announcement, pre-orders, and official sales.

Apple Watch, AirPods, and other products also to be updated

In addition to the iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods are also expected to be featured at the fall launch event.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple may launch the Apple Watch Series 12 and a new Apple Watch Ultra, with new models expected to further enhance health monitoring features and upgrade battery life, performance, and connectivity.

In recent years, Apple Watch has gradually evolved from a simple smartwatch into a gateway for health devices. As AI further integrates into Apple’s ecosystem, these wearable devices may take on more roles in data collection and personalized services.

AirPods may also see an update. MacRumors reports that Apple plans to launch AirPods 5 in September to complete its headphone lineup. As for the rumored camera-equipped AirPods, they are not expected to launch this year, but could potentially provide more context for Siri and AI services by capturing environmental data from the user’s surroundings in the future.

Additionally, Apple may continue updating its iPad and Mac product lines in the fall, including an OLED version of the iPad mini, and iMac and MacBook Pro models equipped with the next-generation M-series chips.

Analysts point out that from an overall product strategy perspective, AI is no longer just a single feature on the iPhone, but is gradually extending to Mac, headphones, wearables, and other smart hardware.

Therefore, the AI computing power provided by the A20 Pro and M-series chips, and whether different devices can achieve more seamless AI collaboration, will become key challenges for Apple in the next phase.

AI server expansion and strengthening of U.S. supply chain

Beyond end-user products, Apple is also extending its AI strategy to servers and the semiconductor supply chain.

In the past, Apple gradually reduced its reliance on Intel (INTC-US) processors through its in-house Apple Silicon, establishing a software-hardware integration advantage. Now, in the AI era, both Apple Intelligence on iPhone and local AI models and applications on Mac require higher CPU, GPU, and neural engine computing power.

On the other hand, AI competition is not limited to end devices. As AI model capabilities improve, Apple also needs stronger backend computing power and server infrastructure.

The Wall Street Journal conducted an on-site investigation of Apple’s U.S. supply chain in February this year. The report indicated that Apple has set up an AI server assembly line at a Foxconn factory in Houston, Texas, capable of assembling approximately 10 servers per hour.

Although the current scale is still small, this marks Apple’s AI infrastructure strategy expanding from chip design to server manufacturing.

At the same time, Apple is also promoting the development of a domestic U.S. semiconductor