Future iPhone series may mark big shift in Apple’s launch strategy

iPhone lineup is expected to undergo major changes in the future. Here’s what has been tipped so far.

Apple's iPhone lineup has remained largely unchanged for the past several years. Typically, there are two Pro models and two standard models, with the occasional budget variant thrown in. This year, that budget option came in the form of the iPhone 16e. However, it now appears that Apple is planning major changes to its iPhone lineup over the coming years, as suggested by notable industry insiders like Ming-Chi Kuo.

There are going to be new additions to Apple's lineup going forward. (REUTERS)

By Shaurya Sharma

Shaurya Sharma is the Technology Editor at Hindustan Times Digital Streams, where he oversees technology coverage across digital and social platforms. With over eight years of experience across editorial, video production, and digital media, his work focuses on smartphones, AI, consumer gadgets, and shaping audience-first content strategies for modern tech consumers.

He began his career in 2018 as a fashion cinematographer before turning his lifelong passion for technology into a profession. From spending his childhood immersed in tech magazines, video games, and the latest gadgets to covering the global consumer tech industry today, technology has remained a constant throughout his journey.

Over the years, Shaurya has worked with some of India’s leading media organisations, including CNN-News18, Sportskeeda, and Guiding Tech, where he led video initiatives that combined strong editorial storytelling with engaging visual and social-first execution.

A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Manipal University, Shaurya has reviewed hundreds of products across categories including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, cameras, and wearables. Beyond work, he is passionate about animal welfare, environmental causes, and automobiles, particularly turbo-petrol cars

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This speculation follows the leak of an internal document detailing Apple's upcoming lineups. This year, we've already seen the launch of the iPhone 16e, which now serves as the entry-level model, effectively replacing the SE. In September, we are likely to witness the unveiling of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 17 Air, which is reportedly going to be a fresh addition that prioritises form over function.

2026 iPhone Lineup

The 2026 iPhone lineup is expected to introduce five models, starting with the iPhone 17e, likely launching around the same time as the iPhone 16e did. Following this, we could expect the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone 18 Fold, potentially marking Apple's first entry into foldable phones.

2027 iPhone Lineup

Apple is anticipated to shake things up in 2027 with big changes to its release schedule. The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to launch in the spring, followed by the rest of the lineup in the autumn. By September, Apple may introduce the iPhone 19 series, which is rumoured to include the iPhone 19, iPhone 19 Pro, iPhone 19 Pro Max, and the iPhone 19 Fold, serving as Apple's second-generation foldable.

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