Apple may launch six new iPhone models in 2027, including its first foldable

iPhone

While the iPhone 17 series is still weeks away from launch, early rumours about Apple’s 2026–2027 plans suggest that the iPhone 18 lineup could be its most expansive yet. According to multiple reports, Apple is preparing to launch as many as six different iPhone 18 models in a staggered rollout that could begin in September 2026 and continue into early 2027. This could include everything from a budget-friendly iPhone 18e to Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone, which might be priced above $2,000.

The first wave is expected in late 2026 with the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The foldable iPhone is also rumoured to debut around the same time, positioning Apple to compete with Samsung and other foldable rivals. In early 2027, the standard iPhone 18 and the entry-level iPhone 18e are tipped to follow, completing the six-model rollout ahead of the iPhone 19 generation.

These details were initially predicted by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who indicated that Apple could adopt a phased launch strategy. A new post by tipster Instant Digital on Chinese social media platform Weibo now backs that up, hinting at the biggest iPhone lineup ever.

Apart from more choices, Apple is also expected to bring notable design and hardware upgrades with the iPhone 18 series. One of the major changes could be the removal of the Dynamic Island from the Pro models in favour of an under-display camera setup, which may give future iPhones a more streamlined, Android-like aesthetic.

For 2025, Apple is on track to release four iPhone 17 models in September—iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. A more affordable iPhone 17e is expected to follow in early 2026. As with all leaks, the final lineup remains subject to change, but this early look at Apple’s roadmap suggests that the iPhone experience could become more diverse than ever.