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

Apple has a stacked product lineup slated for later this year

Apple has spent much of the past year playing catch-up in the AI conversation, but if a new report is accurate, the company is preparing to remind everyone that it still knows how to ship hardware. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has an unusually ambitious product roadmap stretching across late 2026 and 2027. While annual iPhone refreshes are nothing new, the list of devices in development reads like a company trying to reinvent multiple product categories at once. And honestly? It's about time. For years, Apple's launches have largely followed a predictable formula: faster chips, slightly better cameras, and incremental refinements to products that already dominate their respective categories. That's not necessarily a criticism -- those products continue to sell incredibly well -- but it hasn't exactly been an exciting era for people hoping to see Apple take bigger swings. Apple's gadget cupboard is looking unusually full The first wave is expected to arrive later this year. Gurman says Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max alongside what could become the company's first foldable iPhone. The foldable device (iPhone Ultra), positioned as a premium-tier model, would mark Apple's long-awaited entry into a category that rivals like Samsung have been exploring for years. The company's wearables lineup may also get some attention. New Apple Watch models are expected, including updated versions of the standard and Ultra models. Beyond that, Apple is reportedly working on refreshed Macs, a new entry-level iPad capable of running Apple Intelligence features, and potentially a new smart home hub. Gurman also notes that updated versions of the Apple TV and HomePod mini are in advanced testing. We've come to expect new iPhones, Apple Watches, and Macs every year. What's different here is the sheer volume of products in the pipeline, making Apple's upcoming roadmap feel far more crowded than usual. From foldables to smart glasses, Apple is thinking bigger The real fireworks may not arrive until 2027. That year marks the iPhone's 20th anniversary, and Apple wants to celebrate accordingly. Gurman says the company is planning anniversary-themed iPhone models alongside a second-generation foldable device. Then there's the stuff that sounds straight out of a futuristic wish list. Apple is developing AirPods with built-in cameras that could feed visual information into AI-powered experiences. The company is also said to be working toward launching its first smart glasses, a product many see as Apple's eventual answer to devices like Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses. If that wasn't enough, Gurman says Apple is also exploring a robotic tabletop device for the home and future versions of its Vision headset platform. Some of these products could still change, get delayed, or never ship at all. That's the nature of long-term roadmaps. But taken together, they suggest Apple is preparing for a period that looks very different from the relatively conservative product strategy we've seen over the past several years. The bigger question isn't whether Apple can launch all these devices. It's whether any of them will become the next iPhone, Apple Watch, or AirPod -- a product category that genuinely changes how people interact with technology. That's a high bar. But if Apple's roadmap unfolds as Gurman describes, the company will certainly have plenty of opportunities to clear it.

Apple's September 2026 Event Leaks: The 7 New Products Stealing the Spotlight

Apple has once again captivated the global tech audience with its highly anticipated September 2026 event, unveiling seven new products that highlight a blend of technological innovation and user-focused design. From foldable smartphones to AI-enhanced smart devices, the announcements reflect Apple's ongoing pursuit of excellence and its commitment to redefining the user experience. Below is an in-depth look at the key highlights from the event. The video below from Matt Talks Tech gives us more details. iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max: Power Meets Precision The iPhone 18 Pro series takes performance to the next level with the introduction of the A20 Pro chip, Apple's most advanced processor to date. Built on a innovative 2nm process, this chip delivers faster app performance, smoother multitasking, and improved energy efficiency, setting a new benchmark for smartphone processors. Additionally, the integration of the C2/C2X satellite connectivity chip enhances communication capabilities, making sure reliable connectivity even in remote areas, while optimizing battery consumption. Photography enthusiasts will find the camera upgrades particularly exciting. The front-facing camera now features a 24MP resolution, offering sharper selfies and video calls. Meanwhile, the main sensor features a variable aperture, allowing superior low-light photography and greater flexibility for creative shots. While the overall design remains consistent with previous models, Apple has introduced new color options to refresh the lineup's aesthetic appeal. iPhone Ultra: Apple's First Foldable Smartphone Marking a significant milestone, the iPhone Ultra is Apple's first venture into the foldable smartphone market. Featuring a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.3-5.5-inch external display, the device is designed for seamless usability, whether folded or unfolded. A creaseless hinge ensures a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience, while software optimizations make multitasking on the foldable screen intuitive and efficient. Security takes a step forward with the return of Touch ID, replacing Face ID for enhanced convenience and reliability. The iPhone Ultra also features a dual-camera system with a 48MP wide and ultra-wide setup, catering to diverse photography needs. With a robust battery capacity of 5,400-5,800mAh, the device is engineered for extended use, making it an ideal choice for power users and multitaskers. Apple Watch Ultra 4: Sleeker Design, Smarter Features The Apple Watch Ultra 4 introduces a thinner and more refined design, making it more comfortable for daily wear. Enhanced sensor accuracy further solidifies its position as a top-tier health and fitness companion. Improvements to heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking ensure more precise and actionable health data, catering to users who prioritize wellness. This iteration of the Apple Watch demonstrates Apple's dedication to refining its wearable technology, offering a device that is not only smarter but also more practical for everyday use. The sleek profile and improved functionality make it a standout in the wearable tech market. Apple Watch Series 12: Subtle Yet Significant Upgrades The Apple Watch Series 12 focuses on internal enhancements rather than external design changes. With improved battery life and more accurate sensors, the Series 12 ensures a reliable and consistent user experience. These updates, while subtle, underline Apple's commitment to delivering dependable and high-performing wearables for a broad audience. Apple TV: Boosted Performance and Expanded Connectivity Apple TV receives a substantial performance upgrade with the inclusion of the A17 Pro chip, which enhances both streaming and gaming capabilities. This improvement ensures smoother performance and faster load times, catering to users who demand high-quality entertainment experiences. The potential addition of HDMI pass-through could further expand the device's connectivity options, making it a more versatile component of home entertainment systems. Despite these internal upgrades, the external design remains familiar, maintaining its sleek and minimalist aesthetic. HomePod and HomePod Mini: Smarter AI and Seamless Integration The updated HomePod lineup focuses on smarter AI integration, powered by new chips designed to enhance Apple Intelligence and Siri's capabilities. These upgrades aim to improve voice recognition and expand smart home functionality, making the devices more intuitive and responsive to user needs. While the external design remains unchanged, the emphasis on AI-driven improvements reflects Apple's broader vision for a more connected and intelligent living environment. iPad A18: High Performance Without a Price Increase The iPad A18 introduces the powerful A18 chip paired with 8GB of RAM, delivering faster performance for both productivity and entertainment. These internal upgrades ensure smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and enhanced gaming experiences. Despite the significant performance boost, Apple has retained the familiar design and pricing structure, making sure the device remains accessible to a wide range of users. This balance of performance and affordability makes the iPad A18 a compelling choice for students, professionals, and casual users alike. A Showcase of Innovation and Refinement Apple's September 2026 event highlights its ability to balance new advancements with thoughtful refinements. From the introduction of the A20 Pro chip in the iPhone 18 Pro series to the debut of the foldable iPhone Ultra, the lineup showcases innovations that enhance both functionality and user experience. The smarter AI in the HomePod lineup, the sleeker design of the Apple Watch Ultra 4, and the performance boost in the iPad A18 all reflect Apple's dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology while maintaining its signature focus on user-centric design. These announcements set a new standard for the tech industry, reaffirming Apple's position as a leader in innovation and quality. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on the iPhone 18 Pro that you might find useful. Source & Image Credit: Matt Talks Tech Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.