In just a couple of weeks, Apple is going to launch the iPhone 17 family of phones with a familiar set of four options: an entry-level model, two Pro models, and a fourth model priced between the Pros and the base. However, a new report claims the lineup could look a lot different next year.
With the launch of the iPhone 16e earlier this year, ET News reports Apple is expected to shift its iPhone production into two phases: September for the high-end phones and March for the lower-end models. That means the iPhone 18 will skip its usual spot at next year’s iPhone event and instead arrive in 2027 alongside the iPhone 18e. This shift in release was originally reported by The Information earlier this year.
Here’s what the next few iPhone events could look like:
September 2025
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
March 2026
- iPhone 17e
September 2026
- iPhone 18 Air
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 18 Fold
March 2027
- iPhone 18e
- iPhone 18
The report claims that Apple is simultaneously looking to boost sales of its higher-end models and increase sales in the first half of the year. Apple already moved to boost its low-end phone with a redesign and a new name earlier this year.
The shift will open up a spot for a sixth iPhone model with a range of prices starting at $599 and topping $2,000. With older models, Apple could sell as many as 10 iPhones at the same time by 2028, depending on which models it decides to keep around when the iPhone 19 launches.
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17 at an event on September 9. Stay tuned to Macworld for the latest news and rumors as they arrive.
Author: Michael Simon, Executive Editor, Macworld
Michael Simon has been covering Apple for more than 20 years. He started covering rumors with Spymac when the iPod was the iWalk, and has owned nearly every iPhone Apple has ever made. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, son, and far too many gadgets.