Fresh leaks Tuesday detailed modest design refinements and a potentially staggered launch schedule for Apple’s iPhone 18 lineup and the anticipated iPhone Air 2, as the tech giant prepares one of its most fragmented release cycles in years.
Reliable supply-chain sources and Weibo leakers, including Fixed Focus Digital, indicated the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will arrive in September 2026 alongside a possible foldable iPhone, while the standard iPhone 18 and a rumored iPhone Air 2 could slip to spring 2027. The reports, which surfaced over the weekend and gained traction on tech sites, suggest Apple is prioritizing premium and experimental devices this fall before refreshing more affordable models.
iPhone 18 Pro Max
For the base iPhone 18, leaks point to virtually no major exterior redesign. The device is expected to retain the same overall look as the iPhone 17, including screen size around 6.3 inches, with only minor dimensional tweaks that could affect case compatibility. That conservative approach follows the strong market reception of the iPhone 17’s updated form factor, allowing Apple to focus engineering efforts on internal upgrades rather than aesthetics.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, however, could introduce more noticeable refinements. Multiple reports highlight a significantly smaller Dynamic Island — potentially dubbed “Nano Island” by some leakers — measuring roughly 35% narrower than on current Pro models. This reduction would stem from partial under-display Face ID components, moving some sensors beneath the screen while relocating the front camera to the top-left corner in certain concepts. Bezels are expected to remain similar in thickness to the iPhone 17 series.
Color options for the Pro models may include bold new choices. Leakers have floated a deep red or burgundy finish — potentially Apple’s first red Pro variant in years — along with grey, silver and possibly a “coffee” brown tone. Some rumors also mention a subtle transparent or semi-transparent rear glass section on Pro models, though details remain unconfirmed and could change during final production.
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Camera improvements are another focus for the Pro lineup. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is tipped to gain a variable-aperture main lens, allowing dynamic control of light intake similar to professional cameras, which could enhance low-light performance and depth-of-field effects. Battery capacity may climb above 5,000 mAh on some variants, with eSIM-only models potentially reaching 5,200 mAh thanks to freed-up internal space. A 24-megapixel selfie camera is also expected across most iPhone 18 models except the rumored budget iPhone 18e.
Performance upgrades center on Apple’s first 2nm-process A20 Pro chip, promising better efficiency and power for AI features. The lineup is also expected to debut Apple’s in-house C2 5G modem, potentially improving connectivity and reducing reliance on third-party components. Rumors of satellite-based 5G expansion and 12GB of RAM in higher models further signal a push toward more capable on-device intelligence under iOS 27.
The iPhone Air 2, the second-generation ultra-slim model introduced with the iPhone 17 series, faces conflicting timelines but appears on track for a possible fall 2026 debut according to some leakers. Fixed Focus Digital claimed production-line feedback supports a September 2026 launch alongside the Pro models, contradicting earlier reports that pushed it to 2027 to accommodate a second rear camera and other fixes.
Design for the iPhone Air 2 is expected to remain largely unchanged from the original’s ultra-thin 5.6 mm-or-slimmer profile, emphasizing elegance over dramatic overhaul. However, internal enhancements could address key criticisms of the first Air, including battery life and camera versatility. Leaks suggest a larger battery, possibly with vapor chamber cooling borrowed from Pro models, and the long-awaited addition of a second rear camera — likely an ultrawide lens. New Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) OLED technology from Samsung could deliver a brighter yet thinner display without excessive power draw.
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These iterative upgrades aim to make the iPhone Air 2 feel less like a compromised thin phone and more like a balanced flagship option. Earlier concerns about poor sales of the original iPhone Air reportedly prompted Apple to accelerate improvements, though supply-chain constraints and memory demands for premium devices have complicated planning.
Apple’s rumored split-launch strategy marks a departure from its traditional September rollout of the entire iPhone family. By front-loading the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and potentially the iPhone Fold or iPhone Air 2 in fall 2026, the company can spotlight high-margin devices and experimental hardware while giving more time to refine base models for a spring 2027 debut alongside an iPhone 18e. Analysts say the approach could help manage production pressures amid surging demand for advanced chips and displays.
The strategy also aligns with Apple’s broader push into foldables. The first iPhone Fold, expected to carry a premium price tag possibly exceeding $2,000, is tipped for a September or December 2026 arrival, though some reports suggest minor delays. Its inclusion in the 2026 lineup would make the fall event one of Apple’s most ambitious in recent memory.
Industry watchers note that while external designs for the standard iPhone 18 appear conservative, the cumulative internal upgrades — from the 2nm chip and improved modem to enhanced cameras and battery — could deliver meaningful real-world gains in speed, efficiency and photography. The smaller Dynamic Island, if realized across more models, would also increase usable screen real estate, a subtle but welcome evolution of the notch-to-island transition that began in 2022.
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Social media and tech forums lit up with the latest leaks, with users speculating on everything from the rumored red Pro color to whether the iPhone Air 2’s added camera will finally silence critics of its single-lens setup. Concept renders circulating online depict sleek devices with refined details, though Apple has not commented on any rumors.
Pricing is expected to hold steady for most models, with Pro variants maintaining their premium positioning. The delayed base iPhone 18 could help Apple balance its portfolio, offering a more affordable entry point after the spring 2027 launch.
As development continues, final specifications and timing could shift. Apple typically finalizes designs months before events, and supply-chain leaks often capture early or mid-stage plans. Still, the emerging picture suggests 2026 will be a year of refinement for core iPhone models and experimentation at the high end.
For consumers weighing upgrades, the leaks offer mixed guidance. Those seeking the latest design language and camera tricks may eye the iPhone 18 Pro in September 2026, while buyers content with incremental gains might wait for the more accessible iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 the following spring.
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Apple’s fall event, traditionally held in early September, is likely to provide official confirmation — or fresh surprises — as the company continues evolving its flagship lineup amid intensifying competition in AI-powered smartphones and foldable devices.
Valmont Industries, Inc. (VMI) Shareholder/Analyst Call April 27, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
Company Participants
Mogens Bay John Schwietz – Executive VP, CFO & Corporate Secretary
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Presentation
Operator
Greetings, and welcome to Valmont Industries 2026 Annual Shareholders Meeting. [Operator Instructions]
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As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. I would now like to turn the call over to Valmont’s Chairman of the Board, Mogens Bay. Thank you. You may begin.
Mogens Bay
Good morning. My name is Mogens Bay, and as Chairman of Valmont, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to our Annual Meeting. Today’s meeting is being audio webcast to our shareholders and will be made available for replay at our website, valmont.com.
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We have four proposals that are outlined in Valmont’s proxy statement to be voted upon at this meeting. We will then announce the results. All Valmont directors are present at today’s meeting.
Greg Geyer of KPMG is participating in today’s meeting, and KPMG is available to respond to any questions you may have about our financials. At this point, I call upon John Schwietz, CFO and Corporate Secretary, to read the required legal notice.
John Schwietz Executive VP, CFO & Corporate Secretary
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Mr. Chairman, this meeting is convened in accordance with the proxy mailed on March 11, 2026, to all shareholders of record as of March 2, 2026. We have received the affidavit of mailing from Broadridge stating that this mailing was complete and accurate.
Anita Gillespie has been appointed inspector of the election, and a list of all shareholders is available for review. The inspector has advised us that there were 19,547,213 shares outstanding and entitled to vote at this meeting. Of that number, more than 91% are represented by proxy at this time.
Mogens Bay
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Thank you. There are four matters for shareholders to
A pedestrian walks by a Domino’s Pizza on Dec. 9, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
Domino’s Pizza stock fell 10% in morning trading on Monday after it reported weaker-than-expected U.S. same-store sales growth.
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The chain’s domestic same-store sales rose just 0.9%, lower than the 2.3% bump expected by Wall Street analysts, based on StreetAccount estimates.
“We’re not happy with it,” CEO Russell Weiner told CNBC.
The pizza chain also lowered its full-year U.S. same-store sales forecast to low-single digit growth, down from its prior projection that U.S. same-store sales will increase 3%.
Weiner said he expects more fast-food chains to report similar headwinds from winter weather and weak consumer sentiment, which took a dive in March due to spiking fuel prices caused by the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
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“One of the bad things about reporting first is you don’t get to hear about anybody else,” Weiner said.
Domino’s kicked off the earnings season for restaurant chains. Starbucks is on deck after the bell on Tuesday, and Chipotle Mexican Grill and Pizza Hut owner Yum Brands are expected to share their results on Wednesday. Rival Papa John’s will report its earnings next Thursday.
During the quarter, Domino’s also faced stiffer competition from rival pizza chains. Papa John’s and Pizza Hut both matched Domino’s $9.99 “Best Deal Ever” with promotions at the same price point. And Little Caesars undercut Domino’s $6.99 Mix & Match deal with a $5.99 version.
“People are seeing what we’re doing, and they’re sick of losing share, and they’re coming at it,” Weiner said, adding that he still expects Papa John’s and Pizza Hut to report same-store sales declines for the quarter despite the new promotions.
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Looking ahead, Weiner expressed confidence that Domino’s will prove itself in the long run.
“Domino’s has got a bigger advertising budget than our second two competitors combined,” he said. “And those competitors are both going up for sale, so we know things aren’t good there right now.”
Yum announced in November that it was exploring strategic options for Pizza Hut, which could include a sale. And Papa John’s is reportedly in talks with Qatari-backed Irth Capital to go private. Both chains have also announced plans to close hundreds of restaurants this year, which could further boost Domino’s dominant position in the pizza category.
And if either Pizza Hut or Papa John’s goes private, Weiner said he expects that a new owner would shutter even more locations — a win for Domino’s.
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Shares of Domino’s have lost nearly a third of their value over the last year. The company’s market cap has fallen to roughly $11.2 billion.
NEW YORK — Veradermics Inc. shares skyrocketed more than 42% Monday, surging to $96.60 in morning trading after the dermatology-focused biopharmaceutical company announced strongly positive topline results from its Phase 2/3 clinical trial of VDPHL01, an oral treatment for male pattern hair loss that demonstrated early, consistent and robust hair growth.
Veradermics Stock Explodes 43% After Positive Phase 3 Hair Loss Drug Trial Results
The New Haven, Connecticut-based company, which went public earlier this year, saw its market capitalization jump by more than $1 billion in a single session as investors rushed to buy shares following the news. Trading volume was exceptionally heavy, with millions of shares changing hands in the first hours of the session.
Veradermics said its lead candidate VDPHL01 achieved statistically significant hair growth in the pivotal “302” study involving men with mild-to-moderate pattern hair loss. The oral, non-hormonal therapy showed rapid onset of action, with visible improvements noted as early as eight weeks and continuing through the 24-week endpoint. The results position VDPHL01 as a potential first-in-class treatment in a market long dominated by topical minoxidil and oral finasteride.
Breakthrough in Hair Loss Treatment
The company plans to hold a conference call Tuesday to discuss the detailed results. Analysts hailed the data as “transformational,” noting that VDPHL01 could capture a significant share of the multibillion-dollar global hair loss market if approved. Leerink Partners raised its price target on the stock to $90 from $75 following the announcement, maintaining an Outperform rating.
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Veradermics CEO Dr. Reid Waldman expressed excitement in a prepared statement. “These results represent a major milestone not only for Veradermics but for the millions of men seeking safe, effective and convenient solutions for hair loss,” he said. The company is also advancing studies for female pattern hair loss, marking the first Phase 3 program of its kind in the U.S.
Company Background and IPO Success
Veradermics went public in February 2026 at $17 per share and has seen extraordinary volatility since its debut. The stock has more than quadrupled in value this year, driven by investor enthusiasm for its pipeline of dermatology and aesthetics products. The company focuses on turning common skin and hair concerns into proven therapeutic solutions through rigorous clinical development.
With cash reserves strengthened by its upsized IPO, Veradermics is well-funded to complete its ongoing Phase 3 programs and prepare for potential regulatory submissions. The company ended 2025 with significant cash on hand and has been aggressively advancing its clinical timeline.
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Market Reaction and Analyst Views
Wall Street reacted enthusiastically to the news. Several firms reiterated Buy ratings, citing the strong efficacy data and large addressable market for hair loss treatments. Jim Cramer highlighted the stock on his show, calling it a “double or nothing” opportunity in the aesthetics space.
However, some analysts cautioned that the stock’s rapid run-up leaves it vulnerable to pullbacks. Valuation concerns persist, with the company still in the pre-revenue stage and facing competition from established players. Shares remain well below their recent 52-week high but have shown remarkable resilience.
Broader Industry Context
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The positive results come at a time of growing interest in non-hormonal hair loss solutions. Current treatments like finasteride carry potential side effects that deter many patients, creating an opening for new therapies. Veradermics’ approach, if successful, could disrupt the market and offer a convenient oral option for both men and women.
The dermatology and aesthetics sector has seen increased investor attention in recent years, driven by aging populations and rising demand for cosmetic and therapeutic solutions. Veradermics’ progress validates the potential for innovation in this space.
What’s Next for Veradermics
The company will now focus on completing its remaining Phase 3 trials, including studies in female patients. Topline data from additional trials is expected later this year and in 2027. If approved, VDPHL01 could reach the market as early as 2028, representing a major commercial opportunity.
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For investors, Monday’s surge underscores the high-risk, high-reward nature of clinical-stage biotech stocks. While the data appears compelling, full approval and commercial success are still years away and subject to regulatory hurdles.
As Veradermics continues its journey from clinical development to potential commercialization, the company’s progress will be closely watched by patients, physicians and investors alike. The strong Phase 2/3 results mark a pivotal moment that could transform treatment options for pattern hair loss and reward shareholders who bet on the company’s innovative approach.
Blackpool scheme will include 19 shipping containers
Richard Hunt and Local Democracy Reporter
16:00, 27 Apr 2026
How Blackpool’s Southbeach Streetfood project will look(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
New jobs are now on offer as Blackpool’s ambitious Southbeach Streetfood project moves closer.
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The new food destination is located opposite the Sandcastle Waterpark on South Shore promenade and will feature 19 converted shipping containers.
It will include food concessions ranging from Thai and Mexican to Spanish tapas and wood fired pizza.
The site will offer seating for up to 400 diners, and be designed with entertainment space so it can host events and music, with screens to show big sporting occasions.
It was hoped the attraction would be ready to open in June but the physical preparations needed for the groundwork have taken longer than anticipated and now it looks set to launch in July.
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FBS Engineering of Poulton has officially begun transforming the shipping containers that will form the backbone of the development after recently moving into a larger workshop to accommodate the scale of the project.
Jamie Willacy, Director of Southbeach Streetfood UK Limited, said a lot of work had been going on behind the scenes.
He said: “Things are moving forward again. Engineers will start work on the foundations next week, ready for the groundworks to begin, in preparation for the mezzanine floor to be put in place.
“In the background, work has already started on the first six of the 19 containers, cutting out the doors and lining the insides with insulation.
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“There has been a slight delay in the preparation to make sure everything is absolutely correct, so we’re looking at July rather than June now.
“We’ll definitely be up and running in time for the summer holidays.”
The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical trading with menus designed to reduce food waste and ingredients sourced from local suppliers wherever possible.
Alongside the food offering, visitors can expect live music from local artists, children’s activities, dance showcases, live cookery demonstrations and a curated bar featuring beers, wines and spirits.
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Jamie said: ” We’re also excited to announce new job opportunities for Southbeach Streetfood
“If anyone would love to be part of a fresh new food and hospitality destination on the Prom, now is the perfect time to take a look.
“Whether you’re experienced in customer service, hospitality or just ready for your next opportunity, this could be your chance to join something exciting from the very start.”
To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.
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