Apple’s Roadmap Leaked: Folding iPhones, Tabletop Robots, and the End of Face ID?
In a massive breach of Apple’s usual "fortress of secrecy," a flurry of new leaks has provided an unprecedented look at the tech giant’s product pipeline for the next several years. From the long-rumored "iPhone Fold" to a futuristic robotic home hub, the latest reports—originating from a leaked prototype device and social media tipsters—suggest that Apple is preparing for one of its most radical hardware shifts in a decade.
Here is a breakdown of the most significant revelations from the recent leaks.
The "iPhone Fold": Specs and a Return to Touch ID
For years, the industry has speculated about when Apple would finally enter the foldable market. According to details shared by tipster Digital Chat Station, we now have a clearer picture of what the "iPhone Fold" (codenamed V68) might look like when it reportedly debuts in 2026.
Display and Design
The leak suggests a primary internal display of 7.58 inches, placing it in direct competition with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. More impressively, Apple is reportedly aiming for a truly "all-screen" experience by utilizing an under-display front-facing camera, eliminating the notch or "Dynamic Island" on the main screen. The external cover display is expected to be 5.25 inches, featuring a small punch-hole camera.
The Return of Touch ID
In a surprising twist, the foldable iPhone may ditch Face ID entirely. To keep the device as thin as possible, Apple is reportedly opting for a side-mounted Touch ID sensor embedded in the power button. This mirrors the design of the iPad Air and iPad mini, allowing for a slimmer chassis that wouldn't need to accommodate the bulky sensors required for 3D facial recognition.
Durability
Durability remains the "Achilles' heel" of foldables. Apple is reportedly focusing heavily on a reinforced hinge mechanism to minimize the screen crease and improve long-term reliability—two areas where the company likely wants to outperform current market leaders.
The "Tabletop Robot" and Home Hubs
Beyond smartphones, Apple is making a massive push into the smart home and robotics sectors. The leaks identify a "tabletop robot" (codenamed J595). This device is rumored to feature a large, iPad-like display mounted on a robotic arm that can tilt and rotate 360 degrees to follow a user around a room—ideal for FaceTime calls or following recipes in the kitchen.
The leaks also mention two versions of a new "Home Hub":
- J490: A variant with a stationary base.
- J491: A version designed to be wall-mounted.
The Massive Codenames List: From "iPhone Air" to M6 Macs
A leaked prototype device running an early build of what is being called "iOS 26" (internally labeled iOS 19) revealed a treasure trove of codenames for upcoming hardware.
iPhones & Wearables
- iPhone Air 2 (V62): Corroborating rumors of a new, ultra-slim iPhone model.
- Vision Air (N100): A more affordable version of the Vision Pro headset.
- AI Smart Glasses (N50/N401): Apple's entry into the smart glasses market, potentially following the success of the Meta Ray-Bans.
- Apple Watch Series 12 (N237/N238): Confirming that Apple is already planning three years out for its wearable line.
Mac and Silicon
The leaks confirm the progression of Apple Silicon, including the M5 Pro/Max (T6050) and even the M6 (T8152). Interestingly, the list includes a "low-cost MacBook" (J700) powered by the A18 Pro chip, suggesting Apple may be looking to target the education or entry-level market more aggressively.
Conclusion: A Multi-Year Vision
While Apple leaks should always be taken with a grain of salt, the sheer volume of specific codenames and technical specifications in this latest wave suggests a highly detailed roadmap.
If these leaks hold true, the next three years will see Apple move away from iterative updates and toward a new era of "spatial" and "flexible" computing. Whether it's a phone that folds in your pocket or a robot that manages your home, Apple appears ready to experiment with form factors in a way we haven't seen since the debut of the original iPhone.