Apple is on the brink of introducing significant advancements across its product lineup, focusing on enhancing Siri’s capabilities, developing foldable devices, and launching the next-generation A20 chip. Here’s an in-depth look at these developments:
Siri’s AI Transformation
Apple is actively working on integrating advanced artificial intelligence into Siri to make interactions more conversational and natural. This initiative involves developing a large language model (LLM) similar to ChatGPT and Google Gemini. However, internal testers of iOS 26.4 have expressed concerns about Siri’s performance, indicating that some key features are behind schedule. The more advanced chatbot-like functionalities are now expected to roll out with iOS 20 in 2026, rather than with the initial release of iOS 19 at WWDC 2025. Apple is adopting a gradual approach to these AI-driven improvements, implementing incremental upgrades across iOS 18.5, iOS 19, and iOS 20 to ensure stability and user adaptation.
Foldable Devices: iPhone and iPad
Foldable iPad
Apple’s ambitious project to develop an 18-inch foldable iPad, internally codenamed J312, has encountered significant engineering challenges. Issues related to the device’s weight, display technology, and overall design have led to a delay, pushing the anticipated launch from 2028 to 2029. The prototype, weighing approximately 3.5 pounds, is notably heavier than current iPads. Apple is collaborating with Samsung Display to develop an OLED panel with a minimized crease, but the complexity of the screen has caused costs to escalate, potentially tripling the price of the 13-inch iPad Pro M5 and bringing the foldable iPad’s cost close to $3,000. The device is designed to resemble a MacBook, opening to a 13-inch laptop form factor, similar to Huawei’s MateBook Fold. Internally, there is skepticism about whether the device will ever launch.
Foldable iPhone
The development of Apple’s first foldable iPhone is progressing, with recent reports indicating that the device will feature slightly smaller displays than previously expected:
– Outer display: 5.38 inches
– Inner display: 7.58 inches
These dimensions are slightly reduced from earlier rumors of 5.5-inch and 7.8-inch displays. Analysts from Mizuho Securities have also suggested that Apple might delay the iPhone Fold’s launch or face constrained supply at launch due to ongoing issues with finalizing design specifications. The foldable iPhone is expected to debut in 2026, with a price point between $2,000 and $2,500. The device is anticipated to feature a book-style design, Touch ID integrated into the side button, and a crease-free folding screen.
A20 Chip: Next-Generation Performance
Apple is preparing to introduce the A20 and A20 Pro chips, utilizing TSMC’s new 2-nanometer process. These chips are expected to debut in the iPhone 18 series and the foldable iPhone, offering significant performance improvements and power efficiency gains over previous generations. The A20 Pro chip is slated for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone, while the standard A20 chip will be used in the base iPhone 18 models. The new 2-nanometer fabrication process has led to increased costs for TSMC, with prices for partners like Apple expected to rise at least 50% over previous chips. However, the A20 chip line could offer more significant gains than the average year-over-year upgrade, potentially justifying the increased costs.
Conclusion
Apple’s forthcoming innovations in AI integration, foldable device technology, and chip development signify a transformative period for the company. While challenges and delays are part of the development process, these advancements have the potential to redefine user experiences and set new industry standards.
