Apple is preparing a substantial overhaul of its iPhone lineup, with reports indicating seven distinct models in development through 2027. This expansion includes not just annual updates but also entirely new form factors and premium devices designed to redefine the flagship experience. The shift signals Apple’s intent to capture a wider range of consumers while pushing the boundaries of mobile technology.
Expanding the iPhone Family
Currently, Apple offers five iPhone models: the iPhone 16e, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the iPhone Air. However, internal plans reveal a much broader vision. The company is working on the iPhone 17e and its successor, the iPhone 18e, as incremental upgrades focused on key improvements like magnetic wireless charging.
Alongside these, the standard iPhone 18 is set to launch in the spring for the first time—a departure from Apple’s traditional fall release cycle. This model will reportedly remove haptic feedback from the camera button in a cost-cutting measure.
The iPhone Air Gets a Redesign
The iPhone Air 2, slated for a 2027 release, is undergoing a significant redesign. The new model may feature a dual-camera setup and a more affordable price point. This move suggests Apple intends to establish the Air as a distinct mid-range option, filling the gap between the entry-level and flagship devices.
Pro Models: Under-Display Face ID and AI Enhancements
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, expected in fall 2025, will bring key hardware upgrades. The most notable change is the integration of an under-display Face ID sensor, effectively eliminating the Dynamic Island. While previous reports suggested only a reduction in size, this development points toward a fully uninterrupted display with the selfie camera relocated to the top left.
Additionally, the Pro models will feature a mechanical aperture on at least one rear camera for improved low-light performance, and an upgraded chip designed to accelerate AI tasks.
The Foldable iPhone: A Landscape Approach
Apple’s entry into the foldable market is confirmed with the iPhone Fold, expected in fall 2026. Unlike competitors like Samsung and Google, Apple’s foldable will feature a landscape orientation, with a 5.3-inch cover display and a 7.7-inch internal screen. The design also includes embedded sensors and a single selfie camera in the top-left corner, suggesting a minimalist approach to the foldable form factor.
The iPhone 20: A Vision of Seamless Design
The most ambitious project is the iPhone 20, planned for release in fall 2027, marking the iPhone’s 20th anniversary. This model aims for a fully edge-to-edge display with curved glass on all sides, eliminating traditional bezels. All sensors and the front camera will be hidden under the display, creating a truly seamless design. A narrow metal band will run around the device’s edge to house the buttons, providing structural integrity without interrupting the aesthetic.
The iPhone 20 is designed to represent a culmination of Apple’s innovation, pushing the boundaries of display technology and industrial design.
This aggressive roadmap indicates Apple is not just iterating on existing designs but actively investing in radical changes to its iPhone lineup. The expansion into new form factors and premium devices positions the company to maintain its leadership in the mobile market while catering to a broader range of consumers.
