Apple’s iPhone lineup is projected to undergo substantial changes in the coming years, with a detailed roadmap outlining new models and significant design alterations through 2027, according to reports from Wayne Ma and Ming-Chi Kuo.
The year 2025 will introduce several new iPhone models. Early in the year, the iPhone 16e was released, serving as a direct replacement for the previous iPhone SE. Later in the fall of 2025, Apple plans the release of four distinct models: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Air is positioned as a noteworthy addition, specifically designed as an ultra-thin device. This model will take the place of the existing Plus model in Apple’s product hierarchy.
The iPhone 17 Air will feature a 5.6mm-thin design, emphasizing its form factor. This design choice, however, will result in certain compromises, particularly regarding battery life and camera performance, where it is anticipated to be less capable than other models within the iPhone 17 series. Conversely, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to be thicker than previous iterations to accommodate a larger battery, aiming to enhance its power capacity.
The year 2026 marks the introduction of Apple’s first foldable iPhone and a shift in the standard release schedule. In early 2026, the iPhone 17e is scheduled for release. This model is expected to offer many features present in the iPhone 17 but within a more budget-friendly package, likely involving a few functional compromises. The fall 2026 lineup will feature four models: the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 18 Fold.
The iPhone 17 may come in a new color that changes with the light
The inclusion of the iPhone 18 Fold means that a base iPhone 18 model will not be part of the fall 2026 release schedule; its introduction will cause the standard model to be released at a later date. Rumored specifications for the iPhone Fold include a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display, along with a crease-free, book-style folding mechanism. The iPhone 18 Air is expected to maintain a similar design and feel to its predecessor. For the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, a notable design alteration is anticipated: the current Dynamic Island cutout is expected to be replaced by a single hole-punch cutout positioned in the corner of the display.
The year 2027 is projected to see an increase in the number of iPhone models launched within a single year to six. In the spring of 2027, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. These two models, designed to be more affordable, will be released several months after the initial fall 2026 lineup, which includes the iPhone 18 Air, Pro, and Fold. Following these spring releases, four additional iPhones are planned for the fall of 2027: the iPhone 19 Air, iPhone 19 Pro, iPhone 19 Pro Max, and iPhone 19 Fold.
The iPhone 19 Air is expected to feature a larger screen compared to its predecessors. A significant design change is also anticipated for the iPhone 19 Pro and Pro Max, which may introduce all-screen, cutout-free designs. This potential development could result in the first truly all-screen iPhone by 2027, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone and marking a decade since the release of the iPhone X.
