The blueprint for Apple’s annual iPhone releases has stayed fairly consistent for years, but changes have already started, and rumors say even more iPhone overhauls are coming.
New iPhone models and release schedules will explore uncharted territory for Apple
Starting last year with the iPhone 16e and iPhone Air introductions, Apple began deviating from its well-established iPhone patterns.
Ever since 2020, Apple has launched four new flagship iPhones every fall: two ‘standard’ iPhones and two Pro models. For a while it also sold iPhone SE, but the budget model was rarely updated.
But in early 2025, iPhone 16e arrived as a brand new member of the lineup. It launched in February, not September, and wasn’t a one-off like iPhone SE. Instead, as iPhone 17e just proved, it was part of a new annual pattern.
Then in fall 2025, iPhone Air launched and shook up the previous lineup of two standard iPhones and two Pro.
For a product as important to Apple’s business as the iPhone, these changes were risks.
But rumors indicate even more risks are coming.
This fall, we’re expecting only two or three new iPhones to launch:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- and iPhone Fold, though it might arrive a bit later
The first foldable iPhone is a risk already due to being a brand new form factor. But one analyst suggests it may not launch until December, adding another deviation to Apple’s normal iPhone pattern.
Then in spring 2027, three more iPhones are expected:
- iPhone 18e
- iPhone 18
- iPhone Air 2
And in fall 2027, the rumored ‘iPhone 20’ is coming alongside other models. It’s expected to have a fully cutout free display, with a screen that wraps around the bezels. It’s unclear what Apple will call this new model, or how it will fit into the existing lineup.
Finally, recent reports say that a flip-style folding iPhone is also being tested by Apple. Though any such product would likely be a couple years away or more.
iPhone roadmap: Innovation at its best, or bloated and confusing?
If you’re keeping track, we’re looking at six or more new iPhones launching each year or so:
- iPhone e
- iPhone
- iPhone Air
- iPhone Pro
- iPhone Pro Max
- iPhone Fold
- ‘iPhone 20,’ perhaps named iPhone Ultra
- maybe even an ‘iPhone Flip’
There are two main ways I’ve been thinking about these rumored changes. They’re either:
- creating confusion and fragmentation in Apple’s most important product
- or ushering welcome innovation and diversification after years of more ‘boring’ and limited lineups
Personally, I’m not sure where I land on the spectrum. In some respects, both seem true.
I love my iPhone Air, and am glad Apple designed a new model that feels truly unique. But the Air also hasn’t sold well, and I get why. iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro fit neatly into Apple’s previous patterns and have clear stories. The iPhone Air product story is fuzzy.
I’m also very excited for the introduction of two major new iPhones in the coming 18 months: the first foldable model, and the rumored ‘iPhone 20.’ Each sounds likely to overhaul the iPhone experience in innovative ways.
I want these new models to exist. But I’m simultaneously leery of the iPhone line getting bloated and confusing.
Apple’s plans could always change, but based on what we know now, I’m fascinated to see how the iPhone lineup shakes out in this era of many new models debuting.
What are your thoughts on Apple’s rumored iPhone roadmap? Let us know in the comments.
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