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iPhone 17 series may mark the start of a major shift for Apple: Here’s why

2025 could be a catalyst year for Apple for a myriad of reasons from introducing new form factors to changing how its software is named.

Published on: May 30, 2025, 13:16:29 IST
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Apple's WWDC 2025 event is slated for 9 June, just a few days away. Apple is expected to reveal major upgrades for its software platforms, including iOS, macOS, and more. This includes aesthetic revamps, new feature upgrades, and a major rebranding effort, which could involve renaming iOS versions.

iPhone 17 series could mark a major shift for Apple. (kanedacane tweets/X)
iPhone 17 series could mark a major shift for Apple. (kanedacane tweets/X)
Shaurya Sharma

This year's versions, reportedly, could be iOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26. Apple is also expected to shake up the iPhone lineup this year, representing significant changes for the company. So, as things stand, this year could be a year of changes for Apple, and may act as a catalyst for what’s to come over the next few years. Read on to know why.

What We Know About iPhone 17 Ahead Of WWDC 2025

The iPhone 17 series is expected to undergo major revamps, with new models potentially being introduced, such as the iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to replace the current iPhone 16 Plus model. Apple is also anticipated to make significant changes to the iPhone design, with the iPhone 17 Pro model expected to feature a major redesign, including a new camera module extending to the right of the phone.

What The Future Holds

As per tips from industry insiders like Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone lineup is expected to undergo a major overhaul soon. While a new form factor, such as the iPhone 17 Slim or iPhone 17 Air, may be introduced this year, even more revamps could arrive from 2026 onwards. This includes the introduction of a new foldable model (iPhone 18 Fold) alongside the iPhone 18 Air and iPhone 18 Pro.

However, the real change could be Apple shifting the release of the vanilla and budget models, including the ‘e’ model. This means Apple could shift the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e launches to March 2027, which could be another big change in the way Apple launches its products.

Why Does This Make Sense?

It does make sense if you think about the fact that the number of models in the lineup could increase (6 vs 5), with the foldable coming in, and the Air model commanding attention, Apple may want to push for vanilla models to launch separately so as not to cannibalise sales, and also to equip them better. On the other hand, it should be taken with a pinch of salt, considering Apple has yet to confirm these plans.

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  • Shaurya Sharma
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    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 carsRead More