2026 and 2027: iPhone glut in the pipeline?
Apple could be planning up to six new iPhones in the 18 series over the next two years. At least that's what rumor mongers from China are claiming.
Two iPhones.
(Image: Sebastian Trepesch/heise medien)
Apple is apparently planning to launch a total of six new iPhones on the market in 2026 and 2027 – more than ever before in a single device generation. Rumors to this effect come from the Chinese leaker "Instant Digital" on the short message service Weibo, which has been correct several times in the past. Other Apple watchers, including the well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities, are also assuming a kind of iPhone glut. To prevent too many devices coming onto the market at the same time, Apple is reportedly planning a phased release, meaning not only a launch in September 2026, but also in spring 2027. All models will bear the designation iPhone 18 in their name.
Only four models...
A second generation of the particularly thin iPhone Air (which is set to replace the iPhone 16 Plus in 2025) as well as the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are planned for 2026. There will also be an Apple foldable for the very first time. The "iPhone 18 Fold" (name still unclear) is reportedly based on classic foldables from Samsung and co.
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According to a recent report by market researcher TrendForce, the unfolded (inner) screen will be 7.8 inches and the outer display 5.5 inches. This would be smaller than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (8 inch / 6.5 inch). Apple plans to launch this line-up of four models for the 2026 Christmas season.
...then two more
But that's not all: the iPhone 18 party will continue in spring or the first half of 2027. The iPhone 18 standard model and a new entry-level device called the iPhone 18e will then be launched on the market. This would be unusual, as Apple usually presents its standard iPhones in the fall. However, it is apparently more important for the company to have more time for special variants such as the foldable at its presentation.
Details about the iPhone 18e have not yet been leaked. However, it is likely to be based on a previous model and feature the latest SoC technology. In terms of form factor, the iPhone 16e is based on the iPhone 14. It is conceivable that Apple will give the 18e a Dynamic Island for the first time. Whether there will also be an iPhone 17e before then (i.e. in spring 2026) is still unclear. If the leak is correct, a total of six iPhone 18 models would be on sale in the first half of the year. Older iPhones are also likely to remain available. The choice would then be greater than ever before.
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