According to recent reports, Apple may adjust its iPhone release cadence again, potentially skipping the iPhone 19 and launching the "iPhone 20" series in 2027 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone. This move aims to recreate the groundbreaking moment of the iPhone X's release in 2017 and mark the beginning of a new round of design innovation.
Apple will break with its traditional annual release schedule and adopt a two-phase release strategy: launching the base model in the first half of 2027 and the premium version in the second half. This generation of products is seen as the most symbolic shift since the iPhone X and is expected to offer significant design breakthroughs, potentially featuring curved glass edges, ultra-thin bezels, and the introduction of under-screen Face ID and a front-facing camera, achieving a truly full-screen design.
Concurrently, Apple is actively preparing the iPhone Fold, a foldable phone targeted for release between 2026 and 2027. This foldable phone will be positioned above the Pro Max series, establishing itself as a standalone high-end product line. It's worth noting that in 2026, Apple may not release the standard iPhone 18, instead releasing only the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone Fold. By 2027, the product line will be further expanded, with the iPhone 20 and the affordable iPhone 18e leading the way, followed by the iPhone 20 Pro, iPhone 20 Air, and the second-generation Fold 2.
Although the specific plans remain uncertain, the market generally expects 2027 to be a major milestone in Apple's redefinition of smartphone design language. If confirmed, this strategic shift would not only be a tribute to the original iPhone but could also usher in the next technological revolution in the smartphone industry.
