Apple unveils ambitious roadmap with foldable iPhone, AI-powered devices, and smart glasses

Apple's Product Roadmap Signals Major Hardware Push

Apple is preparing to launch an unusually ambitious slate of new products across 2026 and 2027, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. After spending much of the past year catching up in the AI conversation, the tech giant appears ready to demonstrate its hardware prowess with a lineup that spans multiple product categories 1

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. The sheer volume of devices in development suggests Apple is moving beyond its predictable formula of incremental refinements to take bigger swings at innovation.

iPhone 18 Pro and First Foldable iPhone Set for Late 2026

The first wave of launches is expected later this year, headlined by the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. These devices will feature the A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process that delivers faster app performance and improved energy efficiency 2

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. The front-facing camera receives a substantial upgrade to 24MP resolution, while the main sensor introduces a variable aperture for superior low-light photography 2

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. Integration of C2/C2X satellite connectivity chips enhances communication capabilities even in remote areas 2

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More significantly, Apple is preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone, positioned as a premium-tier model called iPhone Ultra. This marks the company's long-awaited entry into a category Samsung has explored for years 1

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. The device features a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.3-5.5-inch external display, with a creaseless hinge designed for seamless usability 2

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. Touch ID returns to replace Face ID, while a dual-camera system with 48MP wide and ultra-wide sensors addresses diverse photography needs. Battery capacity ranges from 5,400-5,800mAh, engineered specifically for power users and multitaskers 2

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Updated Apple Watches and Smart Home Hub Refresh Wearables Lineup

Apple's wearables portfolio is receiving considerable attention with new models across both standard and Ultra variants. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 introduces a thinner, more refined design with enhanced sensor accuracy for heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking 2

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. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 12 focuses on internal improvements, delivering better battery life and more accurate sensors while maintaining its familiar design 2

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Beyond wearables, Apple is reportedly working on refreshed Macs, a new entry-level iPad capable of running Apple Intelligence features, and potentially new smart home hubs 1

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. The iPad A18 will introduce the A18 chip paired with 8GB of RAM, delivering faster performance for productivity and entertainment without a price increase 2

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Refreshed HomePod Devices and Apple TV Gain AI Capabilities

Updated versions of Apple TV and HomePod mini are in advanced testing, with both devices receiving significant AI enhancements. The Apple TV gains the A17 Pro chip, boosting streaming and gaming performance with smoother operation and faster load times 2

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. Potential HDMI pass-through functionality could expand connectivity options for home entertainment systems 2

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The refreshed HomePod devices focus on smarter AI integration through new chips designed to enhance Apple Intelligence and Siri capabilities 2

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. These upgrades aim to improve voice recognition and expand smart home functionality, making the devices more intuitive and responsive. While external designs remain unchanged, the emphasis on AI-driven improvements reflects Apple's broader vision for connected living environments.

Smart Glasses and AirPods with Cameras Target 2027 Launch

The real transformation may arrive in 2027, coinciding with the iPhone's 20th anniversary. Apple plans anniversary-themed iPhone models alongside a second-generation foldable device 1

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. More ambitiously, the company is developing AirPods with cameras that could feed visual information into AI-powered experiences 1

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. Apple is also working toward launching its first smart glasses, positioned as the company's answer to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses 1

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Additionally, Apple is exploring a robotic tabletop device for the home and future versions of its Vision headset platform 1

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. While some products could change, face delays, or never ship, the roadmap suggests Apple is preparing for a period that looks vastly different from its conservative product strategy of recent years. The critical question isn't whether Apple can launch these devices, but whether any will become the next category-defining product like the iPhone, Apple Watch, or AirPods. If the roadmap unfolds as described, Apple will have numerous opportunities to prove it can still transform how people interact with technology.